He never expected to make a splash. A scrappy redhead with a guitar, Ed Sheeran was just another kid crashing on friends’ couches, busking on the streets of London, and playing small gigs for little money. Without industry connections or a record label, he relied purely on his relentless determination and the belief that his music could change his life—and it certainly did.
Born in Halifax, England, in 1991, Ed started writing songs before he even entered his teens. Inspired by Damien Rice, he recorded his own EPs and performed at open mic nights. At the age of sixteen, he made the bold choice to drop out of school and move to London to chase his dream of a music career. But success was far from a sure thing. That year, he played over 300 shows, often sleeping outdoors or on the floors of strangers due to a lack of stable housing.
In 2010, everything shifted when Jamie Foxx, an unlikely ally, came across one of Ed’s emotional songs online. The Hollywood actor reached out and welcomed him to Los Angeles, offering housing and access to his personal recording studio. This chance encounter resulted in the self-released EP, No. 5 Collaborations Project, which quickly gained momentum, even producing a hit that soared to number two on iTunes, attracting the industry’s attention.
By 2011, Ed Sheeran’s debut album, plus (Plus), introduced his soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics, with tracks like “Lego House” and “The A Team” gaining widespread attention. His success only grew, and by 2014, he was filling stadiums and collaborating with major names such as Taylor Swift, The Weeknd, and Eminem. His album x (Multiply) featured the timeless hit “Thinking Out Loud,” cementing his place as a global sensation. In 2017, he dropped ÷ (Divide), which included the record-shattering “Shape of You.” The song topped charts in 34 countries and became one of the most-streamed tracks on Spotify. From performing for spare change on the streets to becoming a Grammy-winning icon, Ed Sheeran’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact of hard work and raw talent.
