The Shires

Formed in 2013 by singer-songwriters Ben Earle and Crissie Rhodes, The Shires became England’s most successful country act. ∙ Both Earle and Rhodes appeared as contestants on the UK version of The X-Factor before coming together as The Shires. ∙ Their debut full-length, 2015’s Brave, was the first British country album to reach the Top 10 on the UK Pop chart—and the duo’s next three LPs peaked at No. 3. ∙ In 2015, The Shires participated in the Apple Music Festival’s first country music night, opening for Carrie Underwood at the Roundhouse in London. ∙ The group won the 2017 CMA Jeff Walker Global Country Artist Award, which honors musicians signed outside the US who promote the genre and expand its audience. ∙ Launched in 2020 as part of Apple Music Country’s inaugural radio program roster, London to Nashville with The Shires showcased the duo playing favorite songs and interviewing guests. ∙ Their 2020 single “Lightning Strikes” featured chart-topping singer-songwriter Lauren Alaina, who was runner-up on the 10th season of American Idol.