Ed Sheeran Instant

Born in 1991, Ed grew up in Framlingham, Suffolk, where he was often bullied for his bright red hair and large glasses. His most significant hurdle was a debilitating stutter that made classroom participation an ordeal. He found his "cure" in an unlikely place: a copy of Eminem’s The Slim Shady LP . By learning every fast-paced lyric, he effectively "rapped" his way out of his speech impediment. The Years of "No Plan B"

At 16, Ed dropped out of school and moved to London with nothing but a guitar and a backpack. This period was marked by extreme "hustle":

: In 2009 alone, he played 312 gigs, often to empty rooms or just a few "drunk people".

In 2010, frustrated by rejection from UK labels, he bought a one-way ticket to Los Angeles. While playing an open mic night at a club called The Sayers Club, he was spotted by actor Jamie Foxx. Foxx was so impressed he invited Ed to record in his home studio and sleep on his couch.

: He often slept on the London Underground or on friends' sofas. One night, he famously slept on a heating vent outside Buckingham Palace.

: He developed a unique style by blending Van Morrison’s folk ballads with the rhythmic storytelling of rap. The LA Gamble and the Breakthrough