The Shires are a British country music duo featuring Ben Earle and Crissie Rhodes. Formed in 2013, they quickly made history as the first UK country act to reach the Top 10 of the UK Albums Chart with their debut album Brave in 2015. Their follow-up album, My Universe, became the fastest-selling UK country album ever released. Hailing from Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire, they chose the name The Shires to reflect their British roots while appealing to a Nashville audience. After a handful of live shows, they were signed by Decca Records in the UK and Universal Music Group Nashville, making them the first English country act signed to a major Nashville label. Their achievements have been recognized with multiple awards, including Honorary Doctorates of the Arts from the University of Bedfordshire for their contributions to music.