Long before they became the world’s leading lights in the music industry, many famous musicians had to endure the struggle that every would-be artist suffers. They had to give concerts in seedy pubs filled with uninterested drunks and bullies. They had to play for a bunch of teenagers who go to shows like this to have fun. Also, at such an early stage in one’s career, income is miserably low and sometimes it’s even difficult to get a decent meal.

In such scenarios, the only hope is that some big shot executive will recognize your talent and give you a big break. However, the leading record companies receive thousands of demos, files and unsolicited emails every week. Therefore, the chances that they will appreciate your work are very slim. Even if you have considerable talent and great interpersonal skills. After all, there are some great artists who have been rejected by the leading record labels with the diplomatic yet determined response “just not what we’re looking for at the moment”.

However, the artists included in this listpersevered and did not give up their big dream. And with a lot of hard work and willpower, they finally managed to succeed, and their work and talent was well deserved. Let this list give you an example of how you can never give up on your dreams.

• Madonna

Although her popularity has been on the decline for days, there’s just no denying that Madge is one of the greatest artists in history. Her record sales, which have surpassed the 300 million mark, are a testament to the immense success she has achieved in her career. According to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), she is the best-selling female rock artist of the 20th century with 64.5 million certified albums and the second best-selling female artist in the United States. In fact, the famous Billboard release put her second behind the Beatleson the Billboard Hot 100 All-Time Top Artist. The magazine also named her the most touring artist of all time. She has amassed a net worth of more than $500 million.

So you’d have to be a fool to doubt her musical talents. And indeed, she met one before she made it big. Before going on her hiatus, she had sent a demo of songs that would later appear on her eponymous debut album to label Bigwig Jimmy Lenner. Lenner was unimpressed, claiming “the only thing missing from this project is the material.” Madonna later signed a record deal with Sire Records, and the same material sold more than 10 million copies. In 2001, Madonna also auctioned off the rejection letter at Sotheby’s.

• Dave Grohl

David Eric “Dave” Grohl is arguably one of the most influential and popular rockers in the world right now. He first came to prominence as the drummer of the famous Nirvana band. He later became even more famous with the rock band Foo Fighters after the death of Kurt Cobain, the band’s frontman . His role in the band also went far beyond being a drummer, he wrote many songs for the band. He has also changed numerous singers for the band several times. He has built a reputation as an extremely talented drummer. Also, any project he is associated with is always outstanding and great. However, he didn’t make it with his first band, Mission Impossible .

Grohl had formed the band by the age of 14 and was in high school. He sent the demo tape to Ian MacKaye, founder of Dischord Records, and asked if he was interested in recording his new single. Mackaye was impressed by the effort but not by the tune. So he turned it down but kept the letter of inquiry. He clearly felt that Dave Grohl had talent and he was not mistaken.

• bones

For some time in the mid 90’s the Oasis were one of the best musical bands in England. Led by Noel Gallagher’s musical approach rooted in simplicity, the band became a smash hit with fans and critics alike. They capitalized on the Britpop movement and churned out ’60s riffs to generate phenomenal sales. And the people at factory recordwrithed with regret each time, the band’s single managed to climb to the top of the music charts. Noel Gallagher was a big fan of factory acts like New Order and Happy Monday and promptly auditioned his band for the Manchester-based label. The label rejected them as they found the band “too baggy”. However, the label’s executives took solace when the band collapsed in 1998. Be Here Now’, the fastest selling album in UK chart history.

• Morrissey

Morrissey, full name Steven Patrick Morrissey, is a British singer and lyricist. In the 1980s he became the lyricist and singer of the rock band The Smiths. The band was very successful until they broke up in 1987. Morrissey then embarked on a career as a solo artist and achieved even greater success. His first solo album, 1988’s Viva Hate, debuted at number 1 in the UK Albums Chart. To date he has reached the top ten of the UK Singles Chart ten times. He is widely regarded as a key innovator in the indie music scene. The renowned music magazine NME has named Morrissey one of the most influential artists of all time.

Despite his apparent success and talent, Morrissey has often had trouble with record labels. After average sales of the album “Maladjusted”, he was dropped by Island Records in 1997. Before the release of “World Peace Is None of Your Business” he was again without a record deal. Also in 2009, EMI refused to fund the South American leg of its world tour.

• U2

U2 is arguably one of the most popular and creative acts in the music industry. With more than 170 million records sold worldwide, it is one of the best-selling music artists of all time. In terms of accolades and awards, they are arguably the best rock band in the music industry. They have won 22 Grammy Awards, more than any other band, and have been dubbed “The Greatest Band Alive” by Rolling Stone magazine. And their live performances are often considered their greatest strength. In fact, their U2 360° Tour, which ran from 2009 to 2011, was the highest-attended and highest-grossing concert tour in history.

It hasn’t always been easy sailing for the Irish band, however. Just months before they released their debut single, they were briefly introduced by the CEO of RSO, who felt the band wasn’t what he was looking for. He likely would have regretted that decision when the company went bankrupt years later.

• Ed Sheeran

Ed Sheeran is one of the hottest sensations in the music industry right now. Ever since Sheeran released his debut album “+” in September 2011, which included popular singles like “The A-Team” and “Lego House,” his popularity has steadily increased. His first album was certified 6× platinum in the UK and he went on to win two Brit Awards for Best British Male Solo Artist and British Breakthrough Act. His second album “X” was released on 23 June 2014 and charted at number 1 on the UK Albums Chart and US Billboard 200. It won the Brit Award for British Album of the Year and was nominated for Album of the Year at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards. Sheeran has sold out concerts at some of the most popular venues including New York’s Madison Square Garden and London’s Wembley Stadium.

Considering the success it’s achieved, it’s also surprising to know that it’s been filmed by multiple record labels. And the reason for the rejection is even more absurd. He was rejected because he was chubby and red. In fact, it’s a true reflection of the music industry ruled by looks and appearance.

• Lady Gaga

Whatever you say about Lady Gaga, there’s no denying that she has an appetite to entertain and surprise. Her unique brand of music has inspired millions of people, leading to worldwide album and retail sales of 28 million and 140 million people respectively. Since breaking out with hit numbers like ‘Poker Face’ and ‘Just Dance,’ she’s become a pop icon who pushes boundaries with her over-the-top performances and fashion choices. Her incredible achievements include 13 Guinness World Records, 6 Grammy Awards and the Hall of Fame’s Contemporary Icon Award for songwriters. Since her 2008 debut on The Fame, she has amassed a personal net worth of approximately $59 million.

Considering her immense success, it comes as no surprise that the records manager who dumped Lady Gaga has called it his worst decision ever. In September 2006, Def Jam boss Antonio “LA” Reid had signed Gaga to complete an album in nine months. However, the company had some financial difficulties and Reid felt that the funds earmarked for Gaga’s project could be better used for other purposes. As a result, she was dropped from the label after just three months.

• Beyonce

Beyonce is arguably the best female artist right now. During her prolific career, she has sold over 118 million records as a solo artist and another 60 million with Destiny’s Child, making her one of the best-selling female music artists of all time. She has also won 20 Grammy Awards and is the most nominated woman in awards history. In fact, Forbes magazine listed her as the most powerful female musician of 2015. And she’s married to the most powerful man in the music industry, Jay-Z. So right now everything in her life is perfect. It has everything that any aspiring artist could dream of. However, like many other very successful personalities, she had to deal with failure and rejection. As a member of the girls Tyme group, who also had her cousin and future mate Destiny’s Child band member Kelly Rowland Beyonce entered a talent contest set up by label bosses to find the next big thing. And surprisingly, she wasn’t considered good enough. She was even flatly ignored by the talent scouts.

The good thing was that this incident happened when she was just eight years old. And her father, Mathew, was so upset by the incident that he quit his job and has devoted all his time to making his daughter a superstar. And in return, he became one of the most successful music managers.

• Kanye West

Nobody polarizes opinions like Kanye West. The self-proclaimed most creative artist in the music industry is viewed by some as a genius and by others as an arrogant idiot. And his work as a fashion designer certainly didn’t help his case. Before being signed to Def Jam he was turned down by many labels as he was a brilliant music producer but unlikely to forge a solo career. West gave them demos of tracks he had written, produced and recorded in his home studio. Among those demos was the version by Jesus Walks that came with his solo debut, The College Dropout.

With 21 Grammy Awards to his name and around 21 million album sales, he justified the belief Def Jam had shown in him. Perhaps, had West signed a deal, he would have helped Def Jam manager Reid ease the regret Missed Lady Gaga. And West had a chance to demonstrate his undeniable ability to radically overhaul the hip-hop scene. However, it would be better if West managed to tone down the volume of his ever-present rants and ravings.