He slept on subway trains and park benches when he had nowhere to stay. Now, he sells out stadiums across the world…

Imagine a time when finding a safe place to rest was a nightly challenge. For a young musician, this was a stark reality. He often found himself seeking shelter on the unyielding seats of subway trains or the exposed benches of public parks, simply because he had nowhere else to go. Fast forward to today, and the same individual now commands the attention of massive crowds, his performances filling stadiums across the globe.

The path to such extraordinary success was far from straightforward. Initially, the odds seemed stacked against him. Picture a determined, red-headed young man clutching his guitar, his stage the bustling streets of London. He played small, intimate gigs, the earnings barely enough to scrape by. Nights were often spent relying on the kindness of friends, sleeping on their sofas. Without the backing of any major commercial entities or a supportive record label, he possessed only an unwavering dream – a deep-seated belief that his music held the power to transform his circumstances. And, remarkably, it did.

Growing up in a modest village, his connection with music began in his pre-teen years. Born in Halifax, England, in 1991, his musical journey took a significant turn after being inspired by the artistry of Damien Rice. This influence spurred him to create his own extended play recordings (EPs) and to gain experience by performing at various open mic events. At the pivotal age of sixteen, he made the bold decision to leave formal education and dedicate himself fully to pursuing a career in the vibrant music scene of London. However, the ascent to success was not a swift or easy one. Facing the hardship of homelessness, he frequently had to sleep outdoors or rely on the temporary hospitality offered by acquaintances, all while maintaining a demanding schedule of nearly 300 performances within a single year.

Then, in the year 2010, a significant shift occurred. He shared a deeply personal and heartfelt song through the vast reach of the internet. This authentic expression resonated unexpectedly with Jamie Foxx, a well-known and respected figure in Hollywood. Recognizing the young artist’s talent, this legendary figure extended a helping hand, bringing him to Los Angeles, providing him with accommodation, and offering him the invaluable opportunity to record in his professional studio. Subsequently, a self-released EP titled No. 5 Collaborations Project rapidly gained popularity. Remarkably, without the support of a traditional record deal, one of the tracks from this independent release climbed to the impressive position of number two on the iTunes chart. This unexpected success forced the established music industry to acknowledge his undeniable talent.

His emotionally resonant voice and the passionate narratives woven into his lyrics profoundly captivated audiences worldwide when his debut album, simply titled Plus, was released in 2011. This album propelled him into the spotlight with memorable songs such as “The A Team” and “Lego House.” Yet, this initial success was merely the foundation for even greater achievements to come.

By the year 2014, he was consistently releasing hit songs, achieving the remarkable feat of selling out large stadium venues, and collaborating with prominent artists including Eminem, Taylor Swift, and The Weeknd. His rise to international superstardom was solidified with the release of his album x (Multiply), which featured the widely beloved song “Thinking Out Loud,” often considered the quintessential wedding song for an entire generation.

The release of “Shape of You” in 2017, from his album ÷ (Divide), marked another significant milestone, becoming recognized as one of the most commercially successful singles in music history. For several years, it held the distinction of being the most-streamed song on the Spotify platform, topped the music charts in an impressive 34 countries, and firmly established his position among the best-selling music artists of all time.

From his humble beginnings, playing for meager earnings on the streets of London, this once struggling young artist has now risen to become a Grammy Award-winning, stadium-filling, number-one charting global star. His name is Ed Sheeran.