I'm always inspired by these kinds of stories. Kudos to Madonna for toughing out those early years, as she gave me so much pleasure in her 1984 - 1990 output (the likes of Holiday, Into the Groove, Papa Don't Preach, La Isla Bonita, Like a Prayer, and Vogue are firm all-time favourites). I'm less keen on her post 1990 output, but it still throws up a few gems occasionally (her 2005 Pet Shop Boys collaboration Sorry, for instance). :)