Ed Sheeran is an English singer-songwriter. He was born in Halifax, West Yorkshire and grew up in Framlingham, Suffolk. He started writing songs when he was about 11 years old. In early 2011, he independently released his extended play, No. 5 Collaborations Project. That same year, he signed with Asylum Records.
1986: Record-Breaking Australasian Tour
In March and April 2018, Ed Sheeran embarked on a monumental tour across Australia and New Zealand, drawing over 950,000 fans and surpassing Dire Straits' 1986 record for the biggest concert tour in Australasian music history.
1990: Start of Sheeran Lock
In 1990, Ed Sheeran's parents, John and Imogen, established Sheeran Lock, an independent art consultancy.
February 1991: Birth of Ed Sheeran
On February 1991, in Halifax, West Yorkshire, England, Edward Christopher Sheeran was born.
December 1995: Moving to Framlingham
Ed Sheeran and his family moved from Hebden Bridge to Framlingham in Suffolk in December 1995.
June 2002: Inspiration from Eric Clapton at Queen's Jubilee Concert
At the age of eleven, Ed Sheeran was deeply inspired by Eric Clapton's performance of "Layla" at the Queen's Golden Jubilee concert in June 2002, which led him to purchase his first guitar.
2002: Inspired by Damien Rice
In 2002, Ed Sheeran was inspired by singer-songwriter Damien Rice after seeing him perform in Ireland. Sheeran has said that this experience encouraged him to start writing songs.
2003: Release of "Love Actually"
The 2003 romantic-comedy film "Love Actually" inspired a scene in Ed Sheeran and Elton John's "Merry Christmas" music video.
2004: Recognized as a "Natural Performer"
A school report from 2004 highlighted Ed Sheeran's talent, describing him as a "natural performer." His classmates also recognized his potential, voting him "most likely to be famous."
2004: Begins Recording Music
At the young age of thirteen, Ed Sheeran began recording music in 2004.
2007: Joins National Youth Music Theatre
Ed Sheeran successfully auditioned for the Youth Music Theatre UK in 2007 and joined their production of "Frankenstein – A New Musical" in Plymouth.
April 2008: Opening Act for Nizlopi
In April 2008, Ed Sheeran served as the opening act for the band Nizlopi in Norwich, after working as one of their guitar technicians.
2009: Handmade You Need Me EP Auctioned
A handmade EP from 2009 titled "You Need Me" was auctioned as part of the Ed Sheeran Made in Suffolk Legacy Auction.
2009: Studies Music and Releases "You Need Me" EP
In 2009, Ed Sheeran pursued his musical aspirations by studying music at the Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM) in Guildford, Surrey. However, he left the academy without permission to support hip-hop artist Just Jack. That same year, he released another EP, "You Need Me," further solidifying his presence in the music scene.
February 2010: Collaboration with SB.TV and Release of "Loose Change" EP
In February 2010, Ed Sheeran posted a video on SB.TV, a channel founded by British entrepreneur Jamal Edwards. This exposure led to rapper Example inviting Sheeran to tour with him. The same month, Sheeran released his critically acclaimed "Loose Change" EP, featuring his future hit single, "The A Team."
June 2010: Station Session Performance and Independent EP Releases
In June 2010, Ed Sheeran performed at a Station Session in St. Pancras International, showcasing his talent to a wider audience. He also independently released two more EPs that year: "Ed Sheeran: Live at the Bedford" and "Songs I Wrote with Amy," the latter being a collection of love songs co-written with Amy Wadge in Wales.
2010: Closure of Sheeran Lock
Sheeran Lock, the art consultancy run by Ed Sheeran's parents, ceased operations in 2010.
January 2011: Release of "No. 5 Collaborations Project" and Rise in Popularity
Ed Sheeran's independent EP, "No. 5 Collaborations Project," was released on January 8, 2011, featuring collaborations with grime artists such as Wiley, Jme, Devlin, Sway, and Ghetts. This release garnered significant attention, reaching number 2 on the iTunes chart without any promotional support, and selling over 7,000 copies in its first week.
April 2011: Appearance on Later... with Jools Holland and "The A Team" Release
In April 2011, Ed Sheeran appeared on the BBC music show Later... with Jools Holland, performing his debut single "The A Team." This marked a significant step in his career, exposing him to a wider audience. Shortly after, "The A Team" was released as a digital download, later becoming the lead single from his debut album '+'
September 2011: Release of Debut Album "+"
Ed Sheeran released his debut album, "+", in September 2011. The album topped the UK Albums Chart and included his breakout single, "The A Team."
September 2011: Debut Album '+' Release and Chart Success
September 2011 was a pivotal moment as Sheeran released his debut album '+'. The album was well-received and debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart, achieving significant sales. It quickly became one of the best-selling debut albums of the year.
November 2011: Songwriting for One Direction
Sheeran's songwriting talents were recognized in November 2011 when he co-wrote "Moments" for the debut album of popular boy band One Direction. This collaboration showcased his versatility and expanded his influence within the music industry.
2011: Release of No. 5 Collaborations Project and Signing with Asylum Records
In early 2011, Ed Sheeran independently released his extended play, "No. 5 Collaborations Project." Shortly after, he signed with Asylum Records, marking a pivotal step in his career.
2011: Purchased and Renovated a Farm in Framlingham
In early 2011, after securing recording and publishing deals, Ed Sheeran made a significant purchase: a farm near Framlingham, Suffolk, the place where he grew up. He renovated the property with the intention of making it his family home.
January 2012: Supporting Snow Patrol on Tour
Expanding his reach, Sheeran joined Snow Patrol as a supporting act on their US tour, which ran from late March to May 2012. This opportunity introduced him to new audiences and further boosted his profile.
February 2012: "Drunk" Release and Chart Success
February 2012 saw the release of "Drunk," Sheeran's fourth single, which continued his streak of top-ten hits in the UK, peaking at number nine. This further solidified his presence in the music scene and contributed to his growing popularity.
March 2012: '+' Sales Milestone
By March 2012, Sheeran's debut album '+' had surpassed one million copies sold in the UK. This milestone underlined the album's lasting impact and cemented its status as a commercial triumph.
March 2012: Collaboration with Taylor Swift
Sheeran's career reached new heights in March 2012 when he began collaborating with Taylor Swift after she heard his music. They co-wrote "Everything Has Changed" for Swift's album 'Red,' leading to a significant boost in his exposure and popularity.
May 2012: Ivor Novello Award for "The A Team"
May 2012 brought critical acclaim as Sheeran's "The A Team" won the prestigious Ivor Novello Award for Best Song Musically and Lyrically, beating out strong competition. This award recognized his songwriting prowess and the song's impact.
June 2012: Performance at Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee Concert
June 2012 saw Sheeran perform at the Diamond Jubilee concert for Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace. This high-profile performance further solidified his status as a respected artist in the UK.
August 2012: Performance at the 2012 Summer Olympics Closing Ceremony
Sheeran's rising star power was evident in August 2012 when he performed "Wish You Were Here" at the closing ceremony of the London Summer Olympics, reaching a global audience.
November 2012: Second Collaboration with One Direction
Furthering his successful songwriting partnerships, Sheeran contributed two tracks to One Direction's second album, 'Take Me Home', in November 2012. The single "Little Things," which he co-wrote, became a number-one hit for the group in the UK, solidifying his talent for crafting popular music.
2012: Relationship with Nina Nesbitt
In 2012, Ed Sheeran was in a relationship with Scottish singer-songwriter Nina Nesbitt. Their relationship influenced their music, with Sheeran's songs "Nina" and "Photograph" inspired by Nesbitt, and Nesbitt's album "Peroxide" largely about Sheeran.
2012: Named a Baron of Sealand
Ed Sheeran was given the unusual title of "Baron of Sealand" in 2012. Sealand, a self-proclaimed micronation located on a former sea fort off the coast of England, has a history of bestowing such titles.
2012: Brit Awards Wins
Ed Sheeran's talent earned him two Brit Awards in 2012: Best British Male Solo Artist and British Breakthrough Act.
September 2013: The Red Tour with Taylor Swift
From March to September 2013, Sheeran opened for Taylor Swift on her Red Tour, playing arenas and stadiums across North America. This tour significantly expanded his fanbase and marked a period of considerable growth in his career.
October 2013: Sold-Out Shows at Madison Square Garden
Sheeran's increasing popularity was evident in October 2013 when he headlined three sold-out shows at the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York City. He used these performances to debut new material, including "Tenerife Sea," building anticipation for his second album.
November 2013: "I See Fire" Release for "The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug"
In November 2013, Sheeran released "I See Fire," a song featured in the film "The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug." The song's inclusion in a major motion picture introduced his music to a broader audience and further elevated his profile.
2013: US Chart Success, Touring, and Grammy Nomination
2013 marked several milestones for Sheeran. His album '+' peaked at number five on the Billboard 200 chart, and "The A Team" achieved mainstream success, reaching number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100. He embarked on a successful US tour and received a Grammy nomination for Song of the Year for "The A Team."
2013: Lived Between Tennessee and California
During 2013, Ed Sheeran's career required him to divide his time between Hendersonville, Tennessee, and Los Angeles, California. These locations likely served as bases for his musical endeavors and collaborations.
February 2014: Donates Clothes to Charity
In February 2014, Ed Sheeran donated eight bags of clothes to the St Elizabeth Hospice charity shop in his hometown of Framlingham, Suffolk.
March 2014: Teenage Cancer Trust Charity Concert and "Take It Back" Debut
Continuing to support charitable causes, Sheeran performed at the Teenage Cancer Trust concert in March 2014 at the Royal Albert Hall in London. During the concert, he debuted "Take It Back," a song later included on the deluxe version of his second album.
April 2014: "Sing" Release
Sheeran released "Sing" in April 2014 as the lead single from his upcoming second album. This track marked a departure from his previous acoustic sound, incorporating more pop elements.
May 2014: "One" Release
Sheeran released the acoustic ballad "One" in May 2014 as a promotional single leading up to his album release. This decision aimed to reassure fans who might have been hesitant about the stylistic shift hinted at in "Sing."
June 2014: Release of Second Studio Album "x"
Ed Sheeran's second studio album, "x," was released in June 2014. The album achieved global success, topping charts worldwide.
June 2014: "Sing" Tops UK Charts
By June 2014, "Sing" had achieved number one on the UK Singles Chart, marking Sheeran's first chart-topping single in his home country. This achievement signified his growing popularity and the success of his evolving sound.
June 2014: 'x' Album Release and Chart Success
Sheeran's highly anticipated second studio album, 'x' (Multiply), was released in June 2014, featuring collaborations with notable producers. The album quickly topped charts globally, reaching number one in the UK and the US.
August 2014: World Tour Begins
August 2014 marked the beginning of Sheeran's world tour in support of 'x,' starting in Osaka, Japan. The tour reflected his growing global fanbase and the album's international success.
September 2014: Performance at Melbourne Cricket Ground and "Thinking Out Loud" Release
In September 2014, Sheeran performed at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and released "Thinking Out Loud," the third single from 'x'. The song, showcasing his ballroom dancing skills in its music video, became a global hit.
November 2014: Wembley Stadium Shows Announcement
In November 2014, Ed Sheeran announced his highly anticipated shows at London's Wembley Stadium, scheduled for July 2015.
2014: Early Social Media Presence of Ed Sheeran and Heinz
As early as 2014, Ed Sheeran's presence on social media platforms like Instagram frequently featured Heinz Ketchup, indicating his fondness for the condiment. This organic association laid the groundwork for his future partnership with the brand.
2014: Grammy Nomination for Best New Artist
Sheeran received a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist in 2014, recognizing his breakthrough success and impact on the music industry.
2014: V Festival Performance
In 2014, Ed Sheeran delivered a memorable performance at the V Festival in England, earning him recognition for his stage presence and live performance skills.
2014: Cameo on 'Shortland Street'
Ed Sheeran made his acting debut with a cameo appearance as himself on the New Zealand soap opera 'Shortland Street' in 2014.
2014: World Cup Sticker Album Enthusiast
Ed Sheeran completed his Panini FIFA World Cup sticker album for the 2014 tournament.
2014: Relationship with Athina Andrelos
Ed Sheeran and Athina Andrelos began their relationship in 2014. Andrelos, who worked for chef Jamie Oliver, became an inspiration for some of Sheeran's music, most notably the song "Thinking Out Loud."
2014: Purchased a House in South London
In 2014, Ed Sheeran expanded his real estate portfolio with the purchase of a house in South London. This acquisition reflected his growing success and international presence.
February 2015: Breakup with Athina Andrelos
Ed Sheeran's relationship with Athina Andrelos, who worked with renowned chef Jamie Oliver, ended in February 2015. Andrelos is said to be the inspiration behind Sheeran's hit song "Thinking Out Loud."
March 2015: Announces Gingerbread Man Records
In March 2015, Ed Sheeran announced the establishment of his record label, Gingerbread Man Records, in partnership with Warner Music Group.
May 2015: Performs on 'Undateable'
Ed Sheeran appeared and performed as himself on a live episode of the NBC sitcom 'Undateable' in May 2015.
June 2015: High Earnings and Forbes Recognition
In June 2015, Forbes estimated Ed Sheeran's earnings to be $57 million for the preceding year, positioning him as the 27th highest-earning celebrity globally.
July 2015: Wembley Stadium Shows
In July 2015, Ed Sheeran performed three sold-out shows at London's Wembley Stadium, marking a significant milestone in his career.
July 2015: Relationship with Cherry Seaborn Begins
In July 2015, Ed Sheeran began dating his childhood friend, Cherry Seaborn, whom he knew from school.
August 2015: Launches Gingerbread Man Records
Ed Sheeran officially launched Gingerbread Man Records in August 2015, along with a dedicated YouTube channel for the label.
August 2015: Collaboration with Macklemore
In August 2015, Ed Sheeran collaborated with Macklemore on the track "Growing Up," showcasing his versatility as an artist.
August 2015: "Ed Sheeran – Live at Wembley Stadium" Broadcast
In August 2015, a concert documentary of Ed Sheeran's performance at Wembley Stadium aired on NBC, giving fans a glimpse into the historic shows.
October 2015: Honorary Degree from the University of Suffolk
In October 2015, Ed Sheeran was awarded an honorary degree by the University of Suffolk in Ipswich. The recognition celebrated his significant achievements in music and his contributions to the cultural landscape.
October 2015: Jamie Lawson's Debut Album Release
On October 9, 2015, Jamie Lawson, the first artist signed to Ed Sheeran's label, Gingerbread Man Records, released his self-titled debut album.
November 2015: Supports No Cold Homes Campaign
In November 2015, Ed Sheeran joined the No Cold Homes campaign by Turn2us, donating winter clothing to support people struggling to heat their homes.
November 2015: "Jumpers for Goalposts: Live at Wembley Stadium" DVD Release
In November 2015, Ed Sheeran released the DVD "Jumpers for Goalposts: Live at Wembley Stadium," capturing the energy and excitement of his performances.
November 2015: Signs Foy Vance
In November 2015, Ed Sheeran signed his second artist, Foy Vance, to Gingerbread Man Records.
2015: Release of "Oh Why"
Musicians Sami Chokri and Ross O'Donoghue released their song "Oh Why."
2015: Brit Award for British Male Solo Artist
In 2015, Ed Sheeran's rising star power was recognized at the Brit Awards when he received the award for British Male Solo Artist. The award solidified his position as a leading figure in British music.
2015: Mutual Inspiration with Taylor Swift
In 2015, Ed Sheeran acknowledged Taylor Swift as one of his influences, suggesting that their shared success served as a source of motivation for both of them.
2015: Global Recognition and Awards for "x"
Ed Sheeran's album "x" continued to garner acclaim, becoming the second-best-selling album globally in 2015. The album also won Album of the Year at the 2015 Brit Awards. In a testament to his songwriting skills, Sheeran received the Ivor Novello Award for Songwriter of the Year.
April 2016: Collaboration with Eric Clapton
In April 2016, Ed Sheeran collaborated with his idol Eric Clapton on the album 'I Still Do,' singing on the track 'I Will Be There' under the pseudonym 'Angelo Mysterioso.'
May 2016: "x" Ranks Second Best-Selling Album Worldwide
In May 2016, Ed Sheeran's album "x" achieved the impressive feat of being named the second-best-selling album worldwide in 2015, trailing only Adele's "25."
June 2016: Brexit Referendum Result
The UK public voted to leave the European Union in June 2016.
December 2016: New Album Teaser
On December 13, 2016, after a year-long break from social media, Ed Sheeran hinted at a new album release by changing his social media profiles to a light blue background.
2016: Appears in 'Bridget Jones's Baby' and 'The Bastard Executioner'
In 2016, Ed Sheeran appeared as himself in the film 'Bridget Jones's Baby' and played the character Sir Cormac in the TV series 'The Bastard Executioner.'
2016: Grammy Award for Song of the Year
In 2016, Ed Sheeran won the Grammy Award for Song of the Year for his hit single "Thinking Out Loud." This prestigious award highlighted his songwriting prowess and the emotional resonance of his music.
2016: Donates Clothes and Auction for Charity
Ed Sheeran donated 13 bags of clothes to a charity shop in Suffolk in 2016. Additionally, a tartan shirt he wore in 'Bridget Jones's Baby' was auctioned online to raise funds for the hospice.
2016: Grammy Awards for "Thinking Out Loud"
Ed Sheeran's single "Thinking Out Loud," from his album "x," won him two Grammy Awards in 2016: Song of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance.
February 2017: Dismissal of "Thinking Out Loud" Lawsuit
An initial lawsuit filed by Ed Townsend's estate alleging similarities between Sheeran's "Thinking Out Loud" and Gaye's "Let's Get It On" was dismissed without prejudice in February 2017.
March 2017: Release of Third Album "÷"
Ed Sheeran released his third album, "÷," in March 2017. The album achieved remarkable success, becoming the best-selling album worldwide that year.
March 2017: "÷" Album Release
On March 3, 2017, Ed Sheeran released his highly anticipated fourth studio album, "÷" ("Divide"), which debuted at number one in multiple countries.
March 2017: Start of the ÷ Tour
In March 2017, Ed Sheeran embarked on his ÷ Tour.
March 2017: UK Singles Chart Record
By March 11, 2017, Ed Sheeran had achieved an unprecedented feat by amassing ten top-10 singles from his album "÷" on the UK Singles Chart.
March 2017: Charity Single for Comic Relief
Ed Sheeran collaborated with the cast of 'People Just Do Nothing' on a charity single for the BBC's Comic Relief telethon, which aired in March 2017.
June 2017: Glastonbury Festival Performance
On June 25, 2017, Ed Sheeran headlined the final night of Glastonbury Festival, performing to a massive crowd of 135,000 people.
July 2017: Game of Thrones Cameo
In July 2017, Ed Sheeran made a cameo appearance in an episode of the popular HBO series "Game of Thrones." He played a singing soldier and shared a scene with Maisie Williams, who portrayed Arya Stark. The appearance was a surprise for Williams, a fan of Sheeran. It received mixed reviews, with some viewers enjoying the cameo and others criticizing it.
November 2017: Appears on 'Gogglebox' for Stand Up to Cancer
In November 2017, Ed Sheeran appeared on an episode of 'Gogglebox' alongside other celebrities to support Channel 4 and Cancer Research UK's Stand Up to Cancer campaign.
December 2017: Appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire
In December 2017, Ed Sheeran received the honor of being appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE). The award, presented by Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace, recognized Sheeran's outstanding service to both music and charity.
December 2017: Spotify's Most-Streamed Artist
On December 4, 2017, Ed Sheeran was crowned Spotify's most-streamed artist of the year, with a staggering 6.3 billion streams.
2017: Global Recording Artist of the Year
In recognition of his exceptional global sales and impact, the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) named Ed Sheeran the Global Recording Artist of the Year in 2017.
2017: "Shape of You" and "Castle on the Hill" Release
In 2017, Ed Sheeran released two singles, "Shape of You" and "Castle on the Hill," both of which broke Spotify's day one streaming record.
2017: "Photograph" Copyright Lawsuit Settlement
Ed Sheeran settled a copyright lawsuit in 2017 regarding his song "Photograph," with allegations that it copied the chorus of Matt Cardle's "Amazing." Sheeran later expressed regret over settling, believing it led to further claims and affected his performance of the song.
2017: Endorsement of Labour Party
Ed Sheeran publicly voiced his support for the Labour Party and its leader, Jeremy Corbyn, in 2017. However, he maintained that he doesn't consider himself overly political and respects individual choices.
January 2018: Engagement to Cherry Seaborn
Ed Sheeran and Cherry Seaborn got engaged in January 2018.
January 2018: Best-Selling Single and Album Recognition
On January 3, 2018, "Shape of You" earned the title of best-selling single of 2017 in both the UK and the US, while "÷" claimed the top spot as the best-selling album in both countries.
February 2018: Brit Awards Performance and Global Success Award
At the 2018 Brit Awards, Ed Sheeran delivered a moving performance of "Supermarket Flowers" and was honored with the prestigious Global Success Award.
June 2018: "Summer On You" Release
Ed Sheeran's songwriting talents extended to boy bands with the release of "Summer On You" by PrettyMuch on June 21, 2018.
July 2018: Forbes' Highest-Paid Celebrities List
In July 2018, Ed Sheeran secured the ninth position on Forbes' list of the highest-paid celebrities.
October 2018: Open Letter Against Brexit
In October 2018, Ed Sheeran joined other British musicians in signing a letter initiated by Bob Geldof, urging then-Prime Minister Theresa May to reconsider Brexit. They argued that leaving the EU would negatively impact the music industry and limit its global reach.
2018: Ranked Fourth-Greatest Yorkshireman
In 2018, a poll conducted in Yorkshire, England, recognized Ed Sheeran as the fourth-greatest person from the region. Despite being closely associated with Suffolk, his birthplace in Yorkshire acknowledged his cultural impact.
2018: Billboard Music Award for Top Artist
Ed Sheeran's global popularity and musical success reached new heights in 2018 when he received the Billboard Music Award for Top Artist. The award underscored his dominance in the music industry during that period.
2018: Legal Action Over "Thinking Out Loud"
A new legal battle arose in 2018 when Ed Townsend's estate and heirs filed a lawsuit against Sheeran, Sony/ATV Music Publishing, and Atlantic Records. They claimed that "Thinking Out Loud" copied portions of the iconic song "Let's Get It On," co-written by Townsend and Marvin Gaye.
May 2019: Release of "I Don't Care" and Other Singles
In May 2019, Ed Sheeran released the single "I Don't Care" with Justin Bieber, which broke Spotify's single-day streaming record. He followed this with several other successful singles, including "Cross Me", "Beautiful People", and "Blow".
June 2019: Release of "Beautiful People"
Ed Sheeran released the single "Beautiful People" featuring Khalid in June 2019, which reached number 3 in the UK and number 4 in Australia.
June 2019: "Yesterday" Film Appearance
Ed Sheeran appeared as himself in "Yesterday," a musical comedy film released in June 2019. The film, directed by Danny Boyle and written by Richard Curtis, tells the story of a struggling musician who discovers he is the only person who remembers The Beatles.
June 2019: Heinz Ketchup Advert and Collaboration
In June 2019, a lifelong fan of Heinz Tomato Ketchup, Ed Sheeran, starred in a commercial for the brand. The advertisement humorously depicts Sheeran's love for ketchup, showing him using it in a fancy restaurant, much to the dismay of other patrons. This collaboration led to the release of a limited-edition "Ed Sheeran X Heinz Ketchup," also called "Heinz Edchup."
August 2019: ÷ Tour Becomes Highest-Grossing Tour
Ed Sheeran's ÷ Tour concluded in August 2019 as the highest-grossing concert tour of all time.
September 2019: Opens Bertie Blossoms Bar
In September 2019, Ed Sheeran announced the opening of his bar, "Bertie Blossoms," in Notting Hill, London, named after his wife, Cherry Seaborn.
December 2019: Launches Ed Sheeran Suffolk Music Foundation
Ed Sheeran launched the Ed Sheeran Suffolk Music Foundation (ESSMF) in December 2019 to provide grants to young artists under 18.
December 2019: Named Artist of the Decade
In December 2019, Ed Sheeran was named artist of the decade by the Official Charts Company for his exceptional success on the UK album and singles charts throughout the 2010s.
December 2019: Named Artist of the Decade
In December 2019, Ed Sheeran was named artist of the decade by the Official Charts Company for his remarkable success in the UK throughout the 2010s, with multiple chart-topping singles and albums.
2019: Sunday Times Rich List Ranking
The Sunday Times Rich List of 2019 ranked Ed Sheeran as the 17th wealthiest musician in the UK, with a net worth of £160 million (approximately $207 million).
2019: Judge's Ruling on "Thinking Out Loud" Case
In 2019, US District Judge Louis Stanton ruled against Sheeran's request to dismiss the "Thinking Out Loud" lawsuit, stating that a jury should determine the case due to noticeable similarities between musical elements in both songs.
2019: Release of "No. 6 Collaborations Project"
Ed Sheeran's fourth studio album, and his first collaborative project, "No. 6 Collaborations Project," debuted at number one in most major markets in 2019. The album featured popular singles like "I Don't Care," "Beautiful People," and "Take Me Back to London."
2019: Influence on Music
By 2019, Ed Sheeran's influence on the music industry became a topic of discussion. Critics and journalists observed a surge in singer-songwriters with a similar style, often dubbed "Sheeran-alikes." His success was seen as contributing to a trend of "earnest, dressed-down, boy-next-door troubadours" dominating the charts. His impact extended beyond a single genre, as he was credited with influencing artists in pop, hip-hop, and grime.
2019: Numerous Awards and Recognition
By 2019, Ed Sheeran had accumulated a collection of prestigious awards and honors. This included four Grammy Awards, five Brit Awards, and six Billboard Music Awards. His songwriting talents were recognized with Ivor Novello Awards for Songwriter of the Year in both 2015 and 2018.
May 2020: Donates to Thomas Mills High School
In May 2020, Ed Sheeran donated £170,000 to his former school, Thomas Mills High School, through the Ed Sheeran Suffolk Music Foundation to support the purchase of equipment like MacBooks, cameras, and a photography darkroom.
June 2020: Supports Suffolk Community Foundation
On "Suffolk Day" in June 2020, Ed Sheeran made a "founding gift" to the Suffolk Community Foundation's "Rebuilding Local Lives Appeal" to support the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
August 2020: First Child's Birth
It was reported in August 2020 that Ed Sheeran and Cherry Seaborn were expecting their first child. Later, Sheeran announced the birth of their daughter in early September.
October 2020: The Ed Sheeran Made in Suffolk Legacy Auction
Ed Sheeran's parents organized 'The Ed Sheeran Made in Suffolk Legacy Auction,' which ran from October 23 to November 8, 2020, to raise money for Suffolk charities.
December 2020: Release of "Afterglow"
After a hiatus following the birth of his child, Ed Sheeran surprised fans with the release of his single "Afterglow" in December 2020.
2020: Estimated Net Worth
Ed Sheeran's net worth was estimated at £200 million in 2020.
June 2021: Release of "Bad Habits"
Ed Sheeran released "Bad Habits", the lead single from his fifth studio album, in June 2021. The song topped charts in several countries and became his 10th UK number one single.
October 2021: Release of "=" ("Equals")
In October 2021, Ed Sheeran released his fifth studio album, "=" ("Equals"), which was inspired by the changes in his life over the previous four years, including marriage, fatherhood, and personal losses.
October 2021: COVID-19 Diagnosis
Ed Sheeran tested positive for COVID-19 in October 2021, shortly before the scheduled release of his fifth album.
November 2021: Release of "Merry Christmas"
In November 2021, Ed Sheeran and Elton John released their charity Christmas single "Merry Christmas", with its music video paying homage to classic British Christmas music videos.
2021: One of the Biggest Pop Careers of His Generation
By 2021, Ed Sheeran was widely recognized as having one of the most successful pop careers of his generation, as noted by publications like "The Independent." His continued popularity and influence cemented his place in music history.
2021: Release of Fifth Studio Album "="
Ed Sheeran's fifth studio album, "=", was released in 2021, topping the charts in most major markets.
2021: Maisie Peters Joins Gingerbread Man Records
Maisie Peters signed with Ed Sheeran's label, Gingerbread Man Records, in 2021.
2021: Ipswich Town Sponsorship
A devoted fan of Ipswich Town football club, Ed Sheeran began sponsoring their kits starting in the 2021-2022 season. He was even given the symbolic squad number 17.
2021: Support for the Equality Act
Ed Sheeran joined other celebrities in 2021 to advocate for the passage of the Equality Act in the United States. In an open letter to Congress, they stressed the importance of the Act in preventing discrimination against the LGBT community and ensuring protection for marginalized groups.
February 2022: Release of "The Joker and the Queen" and "Bad Habits" with Bring Me the Horizon
In February 2022, Ed Sheeran released a duet version of "The Joker and the Queen" featuring Taylor Swift. He also explored a heavier sound with a new version of "Bad Habits" featuring the pop metal group Bring Me the Horizon.
March 2022: "Shape of You" Copyright Lawsuit and Victory
In March 2022, Ed Sheeran faced another copyright lawsuit, this time concerning his hit song "Shape of You." Musicians Sami Chokri and Ross O'Donoghue alleged infringement due to similarities with their 2015 track "Oh Why." However, the court ruled in Sheeran's favor, with Mr. Justice Zacaroli concluding that he had not copied any phrase from "Oh Why" consciously or unconsciously.
April 2022: Most Followed Artist on Spotify
By April 2022, Ed Sheeran achieved the impressive feat of becoming the most followed artist on the popular streaming platform, Spotify.
May 2022: Second Child's Birth
Ed Sheeran and Cherry Seaborn welcomed their second daughter in May 2022.
2022: Continued Ipswich Town Sponsorship
Ed Sheeran's sponsorship deal with Ipswich Town was renewed for the 2022-2023 season.
March 2023: Announcement of Sixth Studio Album "-" ("Subtract")
Ed Sheeran announced his sixth studio album, "-" ("Subtract"), on social media platforms in March 2023.
March 2023: Wife's Health Challenge
In March 2023, Ed Sheeran revealed that his wife had been diagnosed with a tumor during her pregnancy, but treatment had to be postponed until after childbirth.
April 2023: Release of "Boat"
Ed Sheeran released "Boat" as the second single from his album "-" ("Subtract") on April 21, 2023.
April 2023: Victory in "Thinking Out Loud" Copyright Trial
The "Thinking Out Loud" case, closely observed by the music and legal communities, went to trial in April 2023. Sheeran's defense successfully argued that common musical elements were present in both songs, leading to a unanimous verdict in Sheeran's favor.
May 2023: Release of "Eyes Closed" and "Life Goes On"
Ed Sheeran released "Eyes Closed", the lead single from his album "-" ("Subtract"), along with its music video in May 2023. The third single from the album, "Life Goes On", was also released in May.
May 2023: Release of Sixth Album "-"
Ed Sheeran released his sixth studio album, "-", on May 5, 2023.
August 2023: Announcement of "Autumn Variations"
Ed Sheeran announced his second album of the year, "Autumn Variations", in August 2023, set for release on September 29, 2023. This album marks his first to be released through his own label, Gingerbread Man Records.
September 2023: Release of Seventh Album "Autumn Variations"
Ed Sheeran released his seventh studio album, "Autumn Variations," on September 29, 2023, under his own record label, Gingerbread Man Records.
September 2023: Release of "Autumn Variations"
Ed Sheeran will release "Autumn Variations" on September 29, 2023. It is his first album for which he owns the copyright.
2023: Ranked High in a Poll of Music Acts Fans Want to See Live
In 2023, a poll conducted by the O2 Priority Tickets platform revealed that Ed Sheeran ranked third among musical acts, both past and present, that music fans would most like to see live. He was only surpassed by Queen and The Beatles.