Ed Sheeran
Sheeran began recording music in 2004 and independently released his early work. He moved to London in 2008 to pursue music, playing small venues and building a following through social media and relentless gigging.
Ed Sheeran
Basic Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Edward Christopher Sheeran |
| Born | February 17, 1991 |
| Birthplace | Halifax, West Yorkshire, England |
| Raised | Framlingham, Suffolk, England |
| Genres | Pop, folk-pop, soft rock, R&B |
| Occupation | Singer-songwriter, musician, record producer, actor |
| Years Active | 2004–present |
| Instruments | Vocals, guitar, piano, keyboards, drums |
| Labels | Asylum, Atlantic, Elektra, Gingerbread Man |
Early Career
Sheeran began recording music in 2004 and independently released his early work. He moved to London in 2008 to pursue music, playing small venues and building a following through social media and relentless gigging.
Breakthrough (2011)
His independent EPs gained attention, particularly No. 5 Collaborations Project (2011), which featured grime artists. This caught the attention of Elton John and Jamie Foxx, leading to his record deal with Asylum Records.
Discography
Studio Albums
+ (Plus) (2011)
- Debut album
- UK #1, US #5
- 7× platinum (UK), 4× platinum (US)
- Singles: “The A Team” (UK #3), “You Need Me, I Don’t Need You,” “Lego House” (UK #5)
× (Multiply) (2014)
- 5× platinum (UK), 5× platinum (US)
- Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Album
- Singles: “Sing,” “Don’t,” “Thinking Out Loud” (#1 UK and US)
- “Thinking Out Loud” earned Grammy for Song of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance
÷ (Divide) (2017)
- Fastest-selling album by a male solo artist in UK chart history
- Best-selling album worldwide in 2017
- 11× platinum (UK), 4× platinum (US)
- Singles: “Castle on the Hill,” “Shape of You” (#1 UK and US for 12 weeks), “Galway Girl,” “Perfect” (#1 UK and US)
- “Shape of You” most-streamed song on Spotify at the time
= (Equals) (2021)
- UK #1, US #1
- Singles: “Bad Habits,” “Shivers,” “Overpass Graffiti”
- (Subtract) (2023)
- More personal, stripped-back album
- Written after wife’s health scare and friend’s death
Autumn Variations (2023)
- Surprise release later in 2023
- Aaron Dessner (The National) produced
Record-Breaking Achievements
Chart Records
- Most simultaneous UK Top 20 singles (16 tracks from ÷)
- First artist to debut two songs at #1 and #2 on UK Singles Chart (“Shape of You” and “Castle on the Hill”)
- Most weeks at #1 on UK Albums Chart in 2010s decade
- First artist to have two songs debut in US Top 10 same week
Sales Milestones
- 150+ million records sold worldwide
- “Shape of You” – 3+ billion YouTube views, 3+ billion Spotify streams
- “Perfect” – Diamond certification (US)
Touring
÷ Tour (2017–2019)
- Highest-grossing tour of all time at conclusion ($776+ million)
- 255 shows across six continents
- Record-breaking stadium shows
- 8.9 million tickets sold
Mathematics Tour (2022–2025)
- Stadium tour across Europe, North America, Australia, Asia
- Continues his record-breaking live performance success
Awards and Recognition
Grammy Awards (4 Wins from 18 Nominations)
- 2015: Best Pop Solo Performance – “Thinking Out Loud”
- 2015: Song of the Year – “Thinking Out Loud”
- 2017: Best Pop Solo Performance – “Shape of You”
- 2017: Best Pop Vocal Album – ÷ (Divide)
Brit Awards
- 4 wins including British Male Solo Artist (multiple years)
- Global Success Award (2015, 2018)
Ivor Novello Awards
- 6 wins including Songwriter of the Year (multiple times)
Other Honors
- MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) – 2017
- Time 100 – Named one of world’s most influential people (2017)
- Brits Global Success Award – Multiple wins
Songwriting for Others
Sheeran has written hits for numerous artists: - One Direction: “Moments,” “Little Things,” “Over Again” - Justin Bieber: “Love Yourself” (co-wrote) - Major Lazer: “Cold Water” (featuring Bieber) - Rita Ora: “Your Song” - Liam Payne: “Strip That Down” - BTS: “Make It Right,” “Permission to Dance” - Camila Cabello: “Bam Bam” - Taylor Swift: Collaborations on Red (Taylor’s Version) and Reputation
Personal Life
Marriage
- Married Cherry Seaborn (childhood friend) in January 2019
- Private ceremony with minimal press
- Seaborn inspired “Perfect”
Children
- Lyra Antarctica Seaborn Sheeran (born August 2020)
- Jupiter Seaborn Sheeran (born May 2022)
Health
- Struggled with substance abuse early in career, now sober
- Wife Cherry’s health scare during pregnancy influenced Subtract album
Friendship with Taylor Swift
Close friendship with Taylor Swift has produced multiple collaborations and mutual support in the industry.
Cultural Impact
Ed Sheeran represents the modern singer-songwriter who built success through: - Relentless touring and grassroots fan building - Social media engagement - Cross-genre appeal (pop, folk, R&B, hip-hop collaborations) - Songwriting for self and others - Loop pedal live performances (solo stadium shows)
His success proves that traditional singer-songwriter skills combined with modern marketing and genre flexibility can achieve massive global success in the streaming era.