Ed Sheeran, born Edward Christopher Sheeran on February 17, 1991, in Halifax, West Yorkshire, England, is a British singer, songwriter, guitarist, and record producer. He grew up in Framlingham, Suffolk, and began recording music in 2004, releasing his first independent extended play (EP), Spinning Man, at the age of 13. Sheeran moved to London in 2008 to pursue his music career, performing at small venues and releasing several independent EPs, gaining a reputation as an emerging artist.
Sheeran's breakthrough came in 2011 with the release of his debut studio album, + (pronounced "plus"), which included the hit single "The A Team." The album was a commercial success, earning him critical acclaim and several award nominations. His subsequent albums, x ("multiply") in 2014 and ÷ ("divide") in 2017, solidified his global fame, with songs like "Sing," "Thinking Out Loud," "Shape of You," and "Perfect" topping international charts. ÷ became one of the best-selling albums worldwide, and "Shape of You" broke multiple records, becoming one of the most streamed songs of all time.
Sheeran's music blends pop, folk, and R&B elements, and he is known for his skillful acoustic guitar playing and emotive songwriting. Over the years, he has collaborated with various artists across different genres, including Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber, and Beyoncé. His fourth studio album, No.6 Collaborations Project (2019), featured high-profile collaborations with artists such as Cardi B, Camila Cabello, and Eminem.
Sheeran has received numerous accolades, including several Grammy Awards, Brit Awards, and Billboard Music Awards. His tours are among the highest-grossing in music history, with his 2017-2019 Divide Tour setting the record for the highest-grossing tour of all time.
Beyond his music career, Sheeran has been involved in philanthropy, supporting various charitable causes and launching the Ed Sheeran Suffolk Music Foundation to help young musicians.
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