Edward Christopher Sheeran, born on February 17, 1991, in Halifax, West Yorkshire, England, is a globally recognized singer-songwriter, musician, and actor. His musical journey began early, singing in the church choir at the age of four and learning to play the guitar as a child. He wrote his first song around the age of eleven and started recording music in 2004, independently releasing his first EP, *The Orange Room*. Sheeran's early career involved relentless gigging, playing hundreds of shows a year in smaller venues. He relocated to London in 2008, continuing to build his fanbase through live performances and YouTube uploads. His self-released EPs gained traction online, leading to increasing attention from the music industry.
Sheeran's breakthrough came in 2011 with the independent release of his EP, *No. 5 Collaborations Project*, which featured collaborations with grime artists. This EP topped the iTunes chart without any promotion and caught the attention of Elton John and Jamie Foxx, both of whom championed his talent. He subsequently signed with Asylum Records/Atlantic Records. His debut album, *+* (plus), released in 2011, was a commercial and critical success, spawning hit singles like "The A Team" and "Lego House." The album established Sheeran as a major force in the pop music landscape.
Sheeran's second album, *x* (multiply), released in 2014, further cemented his superstar status. It featured chart-topping singles like "Sing," "Thinking Out Loud," and "Photograph." The album showcased his versatility, blending elements of pop, folk, hip-hop, and R&B. *x* was a global phenomenon, achieving multi-platinum certification in numerous countries and winning multiple awards.
His third album, *÷* (divide), released in 2017, broke records globally. Singles like "Shape of You," "Castle on the Hill," and "Perfect" dominated the charts. "Shape of You" became one of the best-selling digital singles of all time. *÷* demonstrated Sheeran's continued evolution as an artist, incorporating diverse musical influences and experimenting with new sounds. His subsequent albums, *No.6 Collaborations Project* (2019), *=* (equals, 2021) and *-* (Subtract, 2023) have all been commercially successful. Sheeran's musical style is characterized by his emotive songwriting, intricate guitar work (often utilizing looping pedals), and distinctive vocals. He is known for his ability to craft heartfelt ballads as well as upbeat pop anthems. Sheeran's achievements include multiple Grammy Awards, Brit Awards, and MTV Video Music Awards. He has sold over 150 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling music artists of all time. He continues to tour globally, selling out stadiums and arenas. Beyond music, Sheeran has also ventured into acting, appearing in films and television shows like *Game of Thrones* and *Yesterday*.