Ever since we first heard the strains of melodic tune The A Team, Ed has had a special place in our hearts. He's very popular in the competitive music industry due to his way with words, stunning voice and passion for what he does. Ed turns 23 today and it got us thinking of the other reasons we should be celebrating the man himself. Irish Connections Ed’s paternal grandparents are Irish so we can stake a claim on the lovely lad. He’s quite proud to have an Irish background and has been known to proclaim this at many a concert. Just listen to his simply gorgeous version of The Parting Glass. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXczes9UhoU Extremely Talented Not only is he a serious performer, Ed is also a very gifted songwriter. He has penned hits such as Kiss Me, Drunk and Give Me Love and he’s had a part in the success of other musical groups too. You might recognise five dudes who go by the name of One Direction. Ed co-wrote Little Things with singer- songwriter Fiona Bevan. Animal Rescue Last month Ed saved a kitten who was about to be put down. He adopted the little guy and named him Graham. All of the feels, right there. Is there a way we can go about cloning him so we can all have our very own Ed?  

So basically this one month old kitten was gonna get put down so I adopted him and called him Graham. Just bought Graham a bed and snacks — Ed Sheeran (@edsheeran) January 23, 2014

  What A Bromance Like most guys, Ed enjoys a good bromance. He’s besties with more than a few famous guys, but shares a particularly close bond with none other than Harry Styles. Don’t they make a lovely pair? A Living Legend It’s not every musician that gets to share a stage with the legend that is Elton John. Ed is one of the lucky few with the pair singing Ed's hit The A Team at last year's Grammy Awards. Check them out below. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18v52Ucg3L4 Such A Sweetheart Ed was kitted out in a Gucci suit for this year's Grammy Awards but he added a very special touch in the form of his grandad's tie. The tie featured the British Boxing Board of Control's logo, of which Ed's grandfather was a member. Between the tie and his trainers, this dude definitely knows how to put his own individual stamp on an outfit. Isn't he just lovely!   Passion Aplenty Ed's love for what he does is obvious every single time he picks up his guitar or sings a note. This is a special quality in any musician and this fella has it in spades. Sweat pouring, voice strained, body aching... he gives every gig his all. We love you, Ed. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2BFzanH7rY