Dan + Shay are one of the most popular country-pop duos in modern music. Known for their heartfelt lyrics, smooth harmonies, and crossover appeal, they’ve built a loyal fanbase and earned multiple Grammy Awards. Let’s take a deeper look into who they are, their journey, and their impact on the music industry.
Who Are Dan and Shay?
Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney form the duo Dan + Shay. Dan, born August 16, 1987, in Wexford, PA, is the group’s producer and vocalist. He studied finance before switching to music full-time. Shay, born December 27, 1991, in Natural Dam, Arkansas, is the lead singer. Before teaming up, he was a solo artist on T-Pain’s label. Their mix of talent and vocals shaped the duo’s signature sound.
Formation and Early Career
Dan and Shay met in December 2012 through mutual friends in Nashville. Both were passionate about music and began writing songs together just days after meeting. Their chemistry was instant. By 2013, they had signed a record deal with Warner Bros. Nashville. That same year, they released their debut single, “19 You + Me,” which marked the beginning of their rise in country-pop music.
First Album: Where It All Began (2014)
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Featured hits like “Show You Off” and “Nothin’ Like You”
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The album debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart
Breakthrough Success and Major Hits
Dan + Shay saw major success with their second album, Obsessed (2016), which featured the romantic hit “From the Ground Up.” The album showed a deeper, more emotional style that connected with fans.
Their self-titled album Dan + Shay (2018) brought even bigger hits like the Grammy-winning “Tequila,” along with fan favorites “Speechless” and “All to Myself.”
This album helped them cross over into mainstream pop. In 2021, they released Good Things, which included the chart-topping single “10,000 Hours” with Justin Bieber. The song became one of the decade’s most popular love anthems. The album reached No. 6 on the Billboard 200 chart.
Awards and Achievements
| Award | Wins |
|---|---|
| Grammy Awards | 3 |
| ACM Awards | 5 |
| CMA Awards | 2 |
| Billboard Music Awards | 3 |
| American Music Awards | 2 |
Their song “Tequila” earned multiple awards, including Best Country Duo/Group Performance at the Grammys.
Collaborations and Influences
Dan + Shay have collaborated with major artists, including
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Justin Bieber (10,000 Hours)
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Kelly Clarkson
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Lindsey Stirling
Their sound blends country storytelling with modern pop production, influenced by Rascal Flatts, Keith Urban, and John Mayer.
Dan + Shay’s Siblings and Family Support
Dan Smyers was raised in Wexford, Pennsylvania, but he has not publicly shared much about having siblings. In contrast, Shay Mooney has a sister, Gabrielle Mooney, who is also a singer-songwriter. She has faced serious health challenges, and Shay has been a strong support in her life. Gabrielle continues to pursue music and has made a name for herself in the industry.
Tours and Live Performances
They are known for their energetic and emotional live shows. Their tours include:
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The Obsessed Tour (2017)
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Dan + Shay The (Arena) Tour (2020–2022)
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They’ve opened for major acts like Blake Shelton and are now headlining arena shows worldwide.
Dan and Shay Net Worth
As of 2025, Dan + Shay have built impressive wealth through their music career. Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney each have an estimated net worth of around $5 million. Combined, the duo’s total net worth is believed to range between $20 million and $30 million, thanks to album sales, touring, streaming, and publishing deals.
Legacy and Impact
They have redefined what country-pop can sound like. With their impeccable harmonies, relatable lyrics, and chart-topping hits, they’ve helped bridge the gap between country and mainstream pop. Their influence is seen in the rise of other crossover artists in Nashville.
Final Thoughts
From humble beginnings in Nashville to topping charts globally, Dan + Shay have become a staple in the modern music scene. Their ability to connect emotionally with fans, coupled with musical innovation, sets them apart as one of the most beloved duos of this generation.