Ed Sheeran

Overview

Edward Christopher Sheeran, known professionally as Ed Sheeran, is a renowned English singer-songwriter. Born on February 17, 1991, in Halifax, West Yorkshire, he has become one of the world's best-selling music artists. This timeline highlights significant events and milestones in his career from his early beginnings to his current success.

Main Milestones

Birth

February 17, 1991

Ed Sheeran was born in Halifax, West Yorkshire, England. He would later be raised in Framlingham, Suffolk, in an artistic household that nurtured his early musical talents.

Early Musical Beginnings

Around 2002

At the age of 11, Sheeran began writing songs after meeting singer-songwriter Damien Rice backstage at one of Rice’s shows. Inspired by Rice, Sheeran started recording CDs and selling them, laying the groundwork for his future career.

Posting Music on YouTube

2004

Sheeran started posting his music on YouTube, marking the beginning of his online presence and early steps into the music industry.

Early EPs

2010

Sheeran released two EPs, which, although not immediately catapulting him to fame, helped build his portfolio and prepare him for future success.

Debut Single and Album

2011

Sheeran independently released the extended play "No. 5 Collaborations Project" and later signed with Asylum Records. His debut album, "+" ("Plus"), was released in September and topped the UK Albums Chart, featuring his first hit single, "The A Team".

Brit Awards

2012

Sheeran won the Brit Awards for Best British Male Solo Artist and British Breakthrough Act, solidifying his position in the music industry.

Second Studio Album

2014

Sheeran's second studio album, "×" ("Multiply"), was released in June and topped charts around the world. It was named the second-best-selling album worldwide of 2015 and won Album of the Year at the 2015 Brit Awards.

Grammy Awards

2016

Sheeran won the 2016 Grammy Awards for Song of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance for his single "Thinking Out Loud" from the album "×".

Third Studio Album and Chart Success

2017

Sheeran's third studio album, "÷" ("Divide"), topped the US and UK album charts and won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Album at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards. His single "Shape of You" peaked at No.1 on the singles charts of 34 countries, including the US Billboard Hot 100, and became the first song to hit 2 billion streams on Spotify.

Career Milestones

2024

By 2024, Sheeran had sold more than 26 million albums and 100 million singles worldwide, cementing his status as one of the world's best-selling music artists.