October’s Artist of the Month is… Ed Sheeran

Edward Christopher Sheeran (Born February 17th 1991) is an English singer-songwriter, musician, and record producer. He is known for his guitar-driven pop and folk-pop music, as well as his heartfelt lyrics. One of the best-selling music artists in history, Sheeran has sold over 200 million records worldwide. He has won multiple awards, including four Grammy Awards and seven Brit Awards.

Sheeran rose to fame with the release of his debut studio album, + (Plus), in 2011, followed by the globally successful albums × (Multiply), ÷ (Divide), = (Equals), and − (Subtract). His ÷ Tour (2017–2019) became the highest-grossing concert tour of all time. In addition to his music career, he has made appearances in film and television.

Sheeran was born on 17 February 1991 in Halifax, West Yorkshire, England, to John and Imogen Sheeran, both of whom worked in the arts. He has an older brother, Matthew, who is a classical composer. The family moved to Framlingham, Suffolk, where Sheeran was raised.

He began singing in a church choir at the age of four and learned guitar by the age of eleven. He attended Thomas Mills High School, where he began writing songs. A school report described him as a “natural performer”, and he was voted “most likely to be famous” by his classmates. As a teenager, he joined the National Youth Theatre in London.

Sheeran began recording music in 2004 and independently released several EPs. In 2008, he moved to London to pursue his music career, playing small venues and briefly attending the Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM). He gained popularity through YouTube and received support from artists such as Elton John and actor Jamie Foxx. His 2011 No. 5 Collaborations Project EP reached No. 2 on the iTunes chart without major label support.

In 2011, Sheeran signed with Asylum Records and released his debut studio album, +. The lead single, “The A Team”, became a commercial and critical success. The album debuted at No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart. In 2012, he won Brit Awards for Best British Male Solo Artist and British Breakthrough Act. He also gained attention in the U.S. after collaborating with Taylor Swift and writing for One Direction.

Sheeran’s second studio album, ×, was released in 2014 and debuted at No. 1 in both the UK and the U.S. Singles such as “Sing” and “Thinking Out Loud” topped the charts globally. “Thinking Out Loud” later earned him two Grammy Awards. In 2015, Sheeran performed three sold-out shows at Wembley Stadium in London.

Following a hiatus, Sheeran released his third album, ÷, in 2017. It became the best-selling album worldwide that year. Singles “Shape of You” and “Castle on the Hill” debuted at No. 1 and 2 on the UK Singles Chart, a first in chart history. “Shape of You” also topped charts worldwide and broke multiple streaming records. The ÷ Tour became the highest-grossing concert tour of all time.

In 2019, Sheeran released No.6 Collaborations Project, featuring artists such as Justin Bieber and Bruno Mars. The album debuted at No. 1 in numerous countries. In 2021, he released his fifth studio album, = (Equals), led by the hit single “Bad Habits”. He performed at Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee concert in 2022.

Sheeran released − (Subtract) in May 2023, an introspective album influenced by personal events. Later that year, he independently released Autumn Variations through his label, Gingerbread Man Records. In 2025, he announced his eighth studio album, Play, with its lead single “Azizam” released in April.

Sheeran’s music blends pop, folk-pop, soft rock, and elements of hip-hop. His lyrical themes often explore love, loss, and personal growth. Influences include Eric Clapton, Elton John, Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, Eminem, Damien Rice, and The Beatles. Sheeran credits Eminem with helping him overcome a childhood stutter by rapping along to his music.

Founded in 2015, Sheeran’s record label, Gingerbread Man Records, supports emerging artists. Notable signees include Jamie Lawson and Maisie Peters.

Sheeran has made cameo appearances in films and TV series, including Game of Thrones and the 2019 film Yesterday.

Sheeran is involved in numerous charitable causes. He supports East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices and has participated in campaigns such as Band Aid 30 and No Cold Homes. In 2020, he launched the Ed Sheeran Suffolk Music Foundation to support young musicians. He frequently donates clothes and money to local causes in Suffolk.