Dan and Shay is an American country pop duo composed of vocalists and songwriters Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney. They are signed to Warner Records Nashville and have released six albums: Where It All Began, Obsessed, Dan + Shay, Good Things, Bigger Houses, and It’s Officially Christmas.
In this article, shall we further discuss how Dan and Shay achieved fame through their music, personal lives, awards, and influence on country-pop?
The Dan and Shay Story
Dan + Shay is an award-winning American country-pop duo consisting of vocalists and songwriters Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney. Signed to Warner Records Nashville, the duo has captivated audiences worldwide with heartfelt lyrics, seamless harmonies, and genre-crossing collaborations. From emotional ballads like “Tequila” to global smashes like “10,000 Hours” with Justin Bieber, Dan + Shay’s journey is a blend of musical evolution, critical acclaim, and enduring friendship.
Origins: How Dan and Shay Came to Be
Before forming the duo, Shay Mooney was a solo artist signed to T-Pain’s Nappy Boy Entertainment, while Dan Smyers played in the rock band Transition. The two met in Nashville in December 2012 during a house party at Dan’s place. They clicked instantly and began writing songs the very next day.
Their first song was picked up by Rascal Flatts, and within two months, they had multiple publishing deals and signed with Warner/Chappell Music. It marked the beginning of what would become a modern country pop powerhouse.
Breakthrough Years (2013–2017)
Where It All Began (2014)
Dan + Shay’s debut single, “19 You + Me,” debuted in October 2013 and drew praise for its emotional storytelling. Their first album, Where It All Began, followed in 2014, featuring tracks like “Show You Off” and “Nothin’ Like You.” The latter became their first Country Airplay No. 1 hit.
During this period, they toured with Hunter Hayes and Blake Shelton and later headlined their own Where It All Began Tour.
Obsessed (2016)
Their sophomore album, Obsessed, released in 2016, delivered fan favorites like “From the Ground Up,” “How Not To,” and “Road Trippin’.” These tracks showcased a deeper lyrical maturity, and they joined Darius Rucker and Thomas Rhett on major tours. Their own Obsessed Tour ran into 2017, further cementing their rising star status.
Mainstream Breakthrough: Dan + Shay (2018)
The release of their self-titled third album in 2018 catapulted Dan + Shay into the mainstream spotlight. The single “Tequila” became a cultural phenomenon, reaching the Top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning them their first Grammy Award.
The album also featured
- “Speechless” (another No. 1 and Grammy winner)
- “All to Myself”
- “Keeping Score” (with Kelly Clarkson)
They toured with Chris Young, made major television appearances, and gained widespread acclaim across both country and pop audiences.
2019–2023: Good Things and Pop Crossover Success
In 2019, Dan + Shay released “10,000 Hours” with Justin Bieber, just days after Bieber’s wedding. The song debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100, broke streaming records, and won them yet another Grammy.
Their fourth album, Good Things (2021), produced hits such as
- “Glad You Exist”
- “I Should Probably Go to Bed.”
- “Steal My Love”
- “You”
The duo also collaborated with Carrie Underwood on a stunning rendition of “Only Us” for the Dear Evan Hansen movie soundtrack.
Comeback and Reflection: Bigger Houses (2023)
In 2023, the duo revealed that they had nearly broken up after their 2021 tour due to burnout. Dan Smyers openly admitted, “I was in the lowest low of my entire life… I was ready to quit.” Fortunately, they reunited creatively and emotionally.
Their fifth album, Bigger Houses, released in September 2023, featured the singles
- “Save Me the Trouble”
- “Heartbreak on the Map”
- “Bigger Houses”
Festive First: It’s Officially Christmas (2024)
In October 2024, Dan + Shay released their first-ever Christmas album, It’s Officially Christmas: The Double Album. It brought a mix of classic covers and original holiday tunes, adding warmth and cheer to their discography.
Television Appearances: From Music to Mentorship
Dan + Shay have made a significant impact on television, both as performers and mentors:
| Year | Show | Role | Notes |
| 2017 | CMT Crossroads | Themselves | With Earth, Wind & Fire |
| 2018 | The Voice | Guest Artists | Season 15 with Chevel Shepherd |
| 2019 | American Idol | Guest Artists | Season 17 with Madison Vandenburg |
| 2020 | The Not-Too-Late Show with Elmo | Themselves | Performed for young audiences |
| 2021 | The Voice | Mentors | Season 20 with Blake Shelton‘s team |
| 2023 | The Voice | Coaches | First-ever coaching duo, Season 25 |
Musical Style and Influences
Dan and Shay blend country, pop, soft rock, and R&B. Their smooth harmonies and emotional delivery contrast the bro-country trend that once dominated the genre.
Influences:
- Dan Smyers: Ryan Adams, Tom Petty, Kenny Chesney, Alison Krauss
- Shay Mooney: Rascal Flatts, Dave Matthews Band, Usher
- Album Good Things drew inspiration from The Beach Boys, ELO, Alan Jackson, and Brooks & Dunn
“We write country songs, but we grew up listening to everything—pop, rock, R&B, hip-hop… and you hear that in our music.” — Dan Smyers
Members of Dan and Shay
Dan Smyers
Daniel “Dan” Smyers was born on August 16, 1987, and raised in Wexford, Pennsylvania. He attended North Allegheny Senior High School, where his passion for music began early—he started playing instruments at just 12 years old. Dan went on to attend Carnegie Mellon University, initially planning to pursue a career in finance while playing football. However, his passion for music ultimately led him in a different direction.
Before Dan and Shay, Smyers was active in the music scene. He fronted an emo band called Transition, which released an album in 2006 through Floodgate Records. The band, which included future Dan + Shay bassist Dustin Hook, toured with groups like All Time Low, MxPx, Reel Big Fish, and Streetlight Manifesto and even played the Vans Warped Tour. Dan also played in a rock band named Bonaventure.
Instruments: Vocals, guitar, bass, piano
Dan Smyers and Abby Law: Love and Animal Advocacy
Offstage, Dan is a passionate animal advocate. He married Abby Law on May 13, 2017, after years of dating. Abby has appeared in several Dan + Shay music videos, including “Nothin’ Like You,” “Speechless,” and “10,000 Hours.” Together, the couple works closely with Wags & Walks Rescue Nashville, helping rescue and rehome dogs. As of 2021, they had five rescue dogs of their own.
Shay Mooney
James Shay Mooney was born on December 27, 1991, in Natural Dam, Arkansas. He was homeschooled until fifth grade, then attended Union Christian Academy and later Van Buren High School. Shay began writing songs at 14 and learned to play the guitar at 16. His early dedication to music set the foundation for his future success.
After high school, Shay briefly attended Valley Forge Christian College but left after a year to fully commit to a music career. Before forming Dan + Shay, he had a solo record deal with rapper T-Pain’s Nappy Boy Entertainment, which gave him early experience in the recording industry.
Instruments: Vocals, piano, guitar
Shay Mooney’s Family Life with Wife Hannah Billingsley
On the personal front, Shay married Hannah Billingsley, a former Miss Arkansas, on October 20, 2017. The couple had their first son in January 2017, followed by three more sons in 2020, 2023, and 2025. Despite their busy family life, Shay continues to balance fatherhood with his thriving career in music.
Touring Band
- Justin Richards: Guitar
- Dustin Hook: Bass
- Andrew Cook: Drums
- Izaac Burkhart: Guitar, Keys, Backing Vocals
Discography
- Where It All Began (2014)
- Obsessed (2016)
- Dan and Shay (2018)
- Good Things (2021)
- Bigger Houses (2023)
- It’s Officially Christmas (2024)
Awards & Achievements
Dan + Shay’s shelf is lined with accolades from the Grammys, ACMs, CMAs, iHeartRadio, Billboard, and more.
Highlights include:
- 3 Grammy Awards for Tequila, Speechless, and 10,000 Hours
- Multiple ACM & CMA wins for Vocal Duo of the Year
- iHeartRadio’s Best Duo/Group multiple years
- CMT Music Award wins for Speechless and Tequila
- Billboard Top Country Duo/Group award
- Teen Choice Award for Country Artist & Song
They are among the most decorated duos in modern country music history.
Final Thoughts
From their humble start in a Nashville living room to becoming global hitmakers, Dan + Shay represent the best of country pop. Their musical journey is one of authenticity, evolution, and emotional honesty. With award-winning hits, loyal fans, and a deep personal bond, they continue to shape the future of country music one heartfelt song at a time.
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