Just wondering if there are any examples of artists that had some initial
success either solo or as a band and then went on to even greater success
after producing their own record.

I don't count any ex-Beatle 'cause they just don't fit any real mold.

Did anyone's self-production break 'em in a big way?

Here's an example, did phil collins achieve greater success after genesis and
was it him self-producing producing?