Best known as one half of the country duo Dan + Shay, he rose to fame with the 2013 release of his band's United States Country Music Chart #7-ranked hit "19 You + Me." His group's debut album, Where It All Began, was released in 2014.
After studying at Union Christian Academy in Arkansas, he began his solo career by signing with the Nappy Boy Entertainment music label.
He and his musical collaborator Dan Smyers formed a songwriting team with Danny Orton.
Born James Shay Mooney in Natural Dam, Arkansas, he eventually settled in Nashville, Tennessee. He got engaged to former Miss Arkansas Hannah Billingsley in 2016. He and Hannah had a son named Asher in 2017. They later married in October of 2017.
From 2011 until 2013, he was romantically involved with fellow country singer Veronica Ballestrini. During their relationship, they wrote and performed several songs together.
