How Ed Sheeran went from a street busker to world superstar
He released his first music when he was just 13
Ed Sheeran
Author: Anna Sky Magliola
Ed Sheeran is a singer/songwriter and pop star whose eclectic blending of folk, dance, soul and hip-hop has seen him bring pop music to a whole new audience.
Where is Ed Sheeran from?
Contrary to popular belief, Ed Sheeran isn’t Irish. He was born in Halifax, West Yorkshire on 17th February 1991, but his family moved to Framlingham in Suffolk when he was child. That said, his paternal grandparents hail from Ireland though his parents, John and Imogen, are from London.
How did Ed Sheeran start in the music industry?
Ed Sheeran began writing music in his early teens and he recorded a self-made album called ‘Spinning Man’ when he was just 13-years-old. As he grew older, he’d play wherever there was a stage. As a busker, he’d play where there weren’t any stages. In other words, he simply played where he could to reach as many people as possible.
Leaving school at 16, he moved to London in 2008, he became a guitar tech for internet sensations Nizlopi who scored a Number 1 hit with ‘JCB’. After posting a video online, he was invited by rapper Example to tour with him.
Nizlopi
Ed Sheeran’s profile then began to rise, thanks to a combination of his song-writing talent and his ability to market himself through numerous digital platforms including YouTube. After self-releasing two EPs in 2010 – ‘Ed Sheeran: Live at the Bedford’ and ‘Songs I Wrote with Amy’ – Ed broke through with another independent EP, ‘No. 5 Collaborations Project’. Doing what it said on the tin, it featured grime artists Wiley, Jme, Devlin, Sway and Ghetts, and shot to Number 2 in the iTunes chart with minimal promotion.
The buzz surrounding Ed Sheeran’s songs and his seemingly never-ending performances saw him being signed up by Elton John’s management team in 2011.
When was Ed Sheeran’s breakthrough?
In fairness, ‘breakthrough’ is something of an understatement as ‘bestriding the world like a colossus’ is closer to the mark. Signed by the Atlantic and Asylum labels, Ed Sheeran’s debut album, ‘+’, (‘Plus’) was released in September 2011 and shot to the top of the UK album charts and cracking the US Top 5.
The album’s first three singles, ‘The A Team’, ‘You Need Me, I Don’t Need You’ and ‘Lego House’, went Top 5 in the UK. His impact was recognised at the 2012 BRIT Awards when he took home the gongs for Best British Male Solo Artist, and British Breakthrough Act.
WATCH: The music video for 'Lego House':
Working with producers Rick Rubin, Pharrell Williams and Jake Gosling among others, Ed Sheeran’s second album, ‘x’ (‘Multiply’) went stratospheric in 2014. Hitting Number 1 in 15 countries including the UK, Canada, Australia and the US, it singles included two Number 1s in the shape of ‘Sing’ and ‘Thinking Out Loud’. He took home the Album of The Year trophy at the 2015 BRIT Awards as well as Best Male Solo Artist.
So huge was the album that ‘x’ was 2015’s second biggest selling album in the world. Adele’s ’25’ topped that list.
His third album, ‘÷‘ (‘Divide’) pretty much ruled 2017. The single ‘Shape Of You’ went to Number 1 in an eye-watering 44 countries and became the most-streamed song on Spotify with 1.32 billion streams. The song won the GRAMMY Award for Best Pop Solo Performance at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards.
WATCH: The music video for 'Shape of You':
‘Galway Girl’ was a salute to Ed Sheeran’s Irish roots and while ‘Perfect’ was released in three different versions featuring Ed solo, Beyoncé or with Andrea Bocelli, it was another global smash.
Is Ed Sheeran going on tour?
Ed Sheeran has finished his epic tour in August 2019 and is now taking a bit of time out.
Has Ed Sheeran done any other collaborations?
Ed has worked with The Weeknd, Lupe Fiasco, Taylor Swift, Tori Kelly, Rudimental, Eminem, Macklemore, Beyoncé and Hoodie Allen among many others. Where does he find the time?
In 2017 Ed released collaborations with Beyoncé ('Perfect') and 'River' with Eminem.
See which other collaborations were released in 2017:
Ed Sheeran and Beyoncé: 'Perfect'
After delighting fans with his album track 'Perfect', Ed Sheeran decided to give it a little Christmas sprinkle when he teamed up with Beyoncé for a new version of the single.
How Ed Sheeran went from a street busker to world superstar
2 of 23
Ed Sheeran and Eminem: ''River'
To end the year off, Ed Sheeran worked with his idol Eminem on the track 'River' which features on the rapper's new album 'Revival'.
Ed Sheeran and Beyoncé: 'Perfect'
After delighting fans with his album track 'Perfect', Ed Sheeran decided to give it a little Christmas sprinkle when he teamed up with Beyoncé for a new version of the single.
Selena Gomez and Marshmello: 'Wolves'
After releasing her amazing track 'Bad Liar', Selena Gomez worked with music producer Marshmello on the hit 'Wolves'.
Little Mix and CNCO: 'Reggaeton Lento'
Little Mix joined forces with Latino band CNCO for their upbeat track 'Reggaeton Lento'. The girls sing Spanish lyrics in the track and they performed it live together for the first time at The X Factor final.
Justin Bieber, Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee: 'Despacito'
One of the biggest hits of 2017 came when Justin Bieber lent his vocals to Daddy Yankee and Luis Fonsi's MASSIVE Spanish single 'Despacito'. We are still singing it now!
Liam Payne and Zedd: 'Get Low'
Former One Direction singer Liam Payne teamed up with German producer Zedd on his second solo single 'Get Low' and it was a massive hit with fans.
Craig David and Bastille: 'I Know You'
In what was perhaps the strangest collaboration of 2017, Craig David teamed up with Bastille and the results were brilliant! Dropping the single 'I Know You', the two music genres worked amazingly.
Rak-Su, Naughty Boy and Wyclef Jean: 'Dimelo'
X Factor 2017 winners Rak-Su were fortunate enough to work with Naughty Boy and Wyclef Jean on their winning single 'Dimelo'. It's so catchy!
Camila Cabello and Young Thug: 'Havana'
One of the catchiest songs of the year came from former Fifth Harmony member Camila Cabello. The singer worked with Young Thug on the track 'Havana'.
Calvin Harris, Katy Perry, Big Sean and Pharrell Williams: 'Feels'
2017 was the year of collaborations for Scottish DJ Calvin Harris. He teamed up with Katy Perry, Big Sean and Pharrell Williams on the track 'Feels'.
ZAYN and Sia: 'Dusk Till Dawn'
Former One Direction singer ZAYN worked with Sia to record the single 'Dusk Till Dawn'. The amazing track featured on the movie The Mountain Between Us featuring Kate Winslet and Idris Elba.
Eminem and Beyoncé: 'Walk On Water'
Out of nowhere, rapper Eminem dropped his comeback single 'Walk On Water' featuring Beyoncé.
Louis Tomlinson and Bebe Rexha: 'Back To You'
Former One Direction star Louis Tomlinson delighted his fans in 2017 when he teamed up with American singer Bebe Rexha on the track 'Back To You'.
Avicii and Rita Ora: 'Lonely Together'
In a comeback year of music for both of them, Rita Ora and Avicii delivered the amazing single 'Lonely Together'.
Calvin Harris, Frank Ocean and Migos: 'Slide'
In what was another amazing Calvin Harris collab, the 33-year-old worked with Frank Ocean and Migos to drop the summer track 'Feels'.
Sigala and Ella Eyre: 'Came Here For Love'
He's worked with a number of people in the past, but this year DJ Sigala teamed up with Ella Eyre. The 23-year-old showed off her stunning vocals on the track 'Came Here For Love'.
The Weeknd and Daft Punk: 'I Feel It Coming'
The Weeknd and electronic duo Daft Punk teamed up to deliver the amazing track 'I Feel It Coming'.
Clean Bandit and Julia Michaels: 'Miss You'
Clean Bandit love a collaboration! This year they teamed up with American singer songwriter Julia Michaels on the emotional single 'Miss You'.
Katy Perry and Nicki Minaj: 'Swish Swish'
Katy Perry got her friend Nicki Minaj to help her out on the single 'Swish Swish'.
Selena Gomez and Kygo: 'It Ain't Me'
Pop princess Selena Gomez and Norwegian DJ Kygo created 'It Ain't Me' and it was hugely popular with fans of the pair.
Tinie Tempah and Jess Glynne: 'Not Letting Go'
British singers Tinie Tempah and Jess Glynne made the perfect summer track when they released 'Not Letting Go'.
DJ Khalid and Rihanna: 'Wild Thoughts'
Despite not releasing much solo music in 2017, Rihanna featured on DJ Khalid's single 'Wild Thoughts', and EVERYONE loved it.
Stormzy and MNEK: 'Blinded By Your Grace Pt. 2'
After a seriously impressive 2017, Stormzy released his single 'Blinded By Your Grace Pt. 2' featuring MNEK towards the end of the year.
Ed Sheeran and Eminem: ''River'
To end the year off, Ed Sheeran worked with his idol Eminem on the track 'River' which features on the rapper's new album 'Revival'.
Ed Sheeran and Beyoncé: 'Perfect'
After delighting fans with his album track 'Perfect', Ed Sheeran decided to give it a little Christmas sprinkle when he teamed up with Beyoncé for a new version of the single.
Selena Gomez and Marshmello: 'Wolves'
After releasing her amazing track 'Bad Liar', Selena Gomez worked with music producer Marshmello on the hit 'Wolves'.
Little Mix and CNCO: 'Reggaeton Lento'
Little Mix joined forces with Latino band CNCO for their upbeat track 'Reggaeton Lento'. The girls sing Spanish lyrics in the track and they performed it live together for the first time at The X Factor final.
Justin Bieber, Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee: 'Despacito'
One of the biggest hits of 2017 came when Justin Bieber lent his vocals to Daddy Yankee and Luis Fonsi's MASSIVE Spanish single 'Despacito'. We are still singing it now!
Liam Payne and Zedd: 'Get Low'
Former One Direction singer Liam Payne teamed up with German producer Zedd on his second solo single 'Get Low' and it was a massive hit with fans.
Craig David and Bastille: 'I Know You'
In what was perhaps the strangest collaboration of 2017, Craig David teamed up with Bastille and the results were brilliant! Dropping the single 'I Know You', the two music genres worked amazingly.
Rak-Su, Naughty Boy and Wyclef Jean: 'Dimelo'
X Factor 2017 winners Rak-Su were fortunate enough to work with Naughty Boy and Wyclef Jean on their winning single 'Dimelo'. It's so catchy!
Camila Cabello and Young Thug: 'Havana'
One of the catchiest songs of the year came from former Fifth Harmony member Camila Cabello. The singer worked with Young Thug on the track 'Havana'.
Calvin Harris, Katy Perry, Big Sean and Pharrell Williams: 'Feels'
2017 was the year of collaborations for Scottish DJ Calvin Harris. He teamed up with Katy Perry, Big Sean and Pharrell Williams on the track 'Feels'.
ZAYN and Sia: 'Dusk Till Dawn'
Former One Direction singer ZAYN worked with Sia to record the single 'Dusk Till Dawn'. The amazing track featured on the movie The Mountain Between Us featuring Kate Winslet and Idris Elba.
Eminem and Beyoncé: 'Walk On Water'
Out of nowhere, rapper Eminem dropped his comeback single 'Walk On Water' featuring Beyoncé.
Louis Tomlinson and Bebe Rexha: 'Back To You'
Former One Direction star Louis Tomlinson delighted his fans in 2017 when he teamed up with American singer Bebe Rexha on the track 'Back To You'.
Avicii and Rita Ora: 'Lonely Together'
In a comeback year of music for both of them, Rita Ora and Avicii delivered the amazing single 'Lonely Together'.
Calvin Harris, Frank Ocean and Migos: 'Slide'
In what was another amazing Calvin Harris collab, the 33-year-old worked with Frank Ocean and Migos to drop the summer track 'Feels'.
Sigala and Ella Eyre: 'Came Here For Love'
He's worked with a number of people in the past, but this year DJ Sigala teamed up with Ella Eyre. The 23-year-old showed off her stunning vocals on the track 'Came Here For Love'.
The Weeknd and Daft Punk: 'I Feel It Coming'
The Weeknd and electronic duo Daft Punk teamed up to deliver the amazing track 'I Feel It Coming'.
Clean Bandit and Julia Michaels: 'Miss You'
Clean Bandit love a collaboration! This year they teamed up with American singer songwriter Julia Michaels on the emotional single 'Miss You'.
Katy Perry and Nicki Minaj: 'Swish Swish'
Katy Perry got her friend Nicki Minaj to help her out on the single 'Swish Swish'.
Selena Gomez and Kygo: 'It Ain't Me'
Pop princess Selena Gomez and Norwegian DJ Kygo created 'It Ain't Me' and it was hugely popular with fans of the pair.
Tinie Tempah and Jess Glynne: 'Not Letting Go'
British singers Tinie Tempah and Jess Glynne made the perfect summer track when they released 'Not Letting Go'.
DJ Khalid and Rihanna: 'Wild Thoughts'
Despite not releasing much solo music in 2017, Rihanna featured on DJ Khalid's single 'Wild Thoughts', and EVERYONE loved it.
Stormzy and MNEK: 'Blinded By Your Grace Pt. 2'
After a seriously impressive 2017, Stormzy released his single 'Blinded By Your Grace Pt. 2' featuring MNEK towards the end of the year.
Ed Sheeran and Eminem: ''River'
To end the year off, Ed Sheeran worked with his idol Eminem on the track 'River' which features on the rapper's new album 'Revival'.
In 2019, Ed Sheeran released a collaborations album with many other fantastic collaborations, including 'I Don't Care' with Justin Bieber.
Has Ed Sheeran done any acting?
You can’t keep him away from the camera! Ed Sheeran has been in New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street, the NBC sitcom Undateable, and Aussie soap Home and Away.
He was also in in the medieval drama The B--tard Executioner and he played himself in Bridget Jones’ Baby. And, he appeared in Game Of Thrones as a Lannister soldier after actress and fan Maisie Williams, who plays Arya Stark, lobbied the producers for his appearance.
He is also due to appear as himself in a new film about the Beatles directed by Danny Boyle.
Is Ed Sheeran married?
Ed Sheeran and Cherry Seaborn married in a top-secret winter ceremony at his country estate in Suffolk at the end of 2018. In efforts to keep the ceremony small and intimate, none of the 'Shape Of You' singer's celebrity pals were invited. A source close to Ed revealed that there were only 40 people at the wedding, saying, "It was very quiet – just Ed’s oldest school pals, limited family and the priest."
Ed has admitted that the Number 1 phenomenon, ‘Perfect’, has been inspired by Cherry.
