Chris Chitsey and Bee Smith Release Inspiring Christmas Single “Be Mary” Following Vocal Event of the Year Win at the 12th Annual Josie Music Awards
Fresh off the international success of their global #1 duet, "Summer Before The Fall," Chris Chitsey and Bee Smith reunite with "Be Mary," a powerful new Country Christian Christmas single centered on faith, hope, and the extraordinary example of Mary.

The release follows an extraordinary year for the U.S./U.K. pairing. "Summer Before The Fall" earned the 2026 World Songwriting Award for Best Music Collaboration and climbed to #1 on both the World Indie Music Top 100 Chart & the European Indie Music Chart. Most recently, Chitsey and Smith took home the coveted Vocal Event of the Year Award at the 12th Annual Josie Music Awards, held at Nashville's legendary Grand Ole Opry. The duet also received a nomination for Song of the Year, further cementing the pair's international success.

"Be Mary" is unmistakably Country, unabashedly Christian and centered on the true meaning of Christmas. Written by Thornton Cline & Sami Jo Furniss, "Be Mary" draws inspiration from the Biblical story of Mary and offers a message about trusting God when circumstances are uncertain, finding hope when life feels heavy, and remaining open to His presence even when things do not unfold according to plan.

Rather than focusing solely on the celebration and nostalgia often associated with Christmas, "Be Mary" acknowledges that the holiday season can also be difficult. Through its message, the song reaches toward those experiencing loneliness, grief, fear or weariness and reminds listeners that joy and purpose can exist even in imperfect circumstances.

The song's central refrain encourages listeners to follow Mary's example of faith when the "weight of the world" feels especially heavy, while later lyrics urge them to remain open to love even when it may not make sense.

"After the incredible year Bee and I have shared with 'Summer Before The Fall,' we wanted our next collaboration to mean something beyond charts, awards or accolades," shares Chitsey. "'Be Mary' is about faith when you don't have all the answers. Mary's story reminds us that God can be working in our lives even when the circumstances in front of us don't make sense. My hope is that someone who may be struggling this Christmas hears this song and is reminded that they're never without hope."

"What touched me most about 'Be Mary' is that it doesn't simply tell the Christmas story, it asks us to think about the extraordinary faith behind it," adds Smith. "Mary faced uncertainty with courage, humility and complete trust in God. That message feels just as relevant today. Christmas can be a beautiful season, but it can also be a difficult one for so many people. If this song can bring someone a little peace, strength or renewed faith when they need it most, then we've accomplished something truly special."

The single arrives amid tremendous career momentum for both artists. Chitsey, a Nashville veteran, has achieved worldwide #1 singles across four different decades. His single, "Where Ya Been Girl," written by Rhett Akins and Ben Hayslip of The Peach Pickers, became his 11th worldwide #1, while its music video earned the 2026 ISSA Gold Award for Music Video of the Year. Smith, a U.K.-born country artist and songwriter, was named the 2025 ISSA International Female Songwriter of the Year and has earned nine Josie Music Awards nominations across 2025 and 2026. Her growing Nashville presence includes a recently signed publishing deal with Thornton Cline Music.

Together, Chitsey and Smith have proven their chemistry extends far beyond one hit. "Summer Before The Fall" showcased their commercial appeal and award-winning vocal partnership; "Be Mary" reveals the spiritual depth of their collaboration.

"Be Mary" arrives this holiday season via Clinetel Nashville Records, with worldwide distribution through SONY/The Orchard, and will be available on major digital and streaming platforms.

Additional Artist/Song Information:

Artist Name: Chris Chitsey & Bee Smith


Song Title: Be Mary


Publishing: CHRIS CHITSEY ENTERPRISES


Publishing Affiliation: BMI


Publishing 2: CLINETEL MUSIC


Publishing Affiliation 2: ASCAP


Album Title: Be Mary


Record Label: Clinetel Nashville

Record Label:

Clinetel Nashville Records

Stanley Izard

936-870-6996

management@chrischitseymusic.com

Radio Promotion:

JR Hughes Promotion

JR Hughes

931-581-3390

management@chrischitseymusic.com

Publicity/PR:

aristoMedia

Christy Walker-Watkins

615-269-7071

christy@aristoMedia.com

Manager:

Bucking Bulls Management

Stanley Izard

936-870-6996

management@chrischitseymusic.com

Booking Agent:

Bucking Bulls Management

Stanley Izard

936-870-6996

management@chrischitseymusic.com
#JRHughesPromotion #NewChristmasMusic #ChrisChitsey #BeMary #AirplayAccess #holidaymusic #ChristmasRadio #NewIndieMusic #BeeSmith #aristoMedia #ClinetelNashvilleRecords #Christmasmusic #BuckingBullsManagement https://airplayaccess.com/?p=26706

Active New Music Releases:

Image
Gerald Harris' father bought him an acoustic guitar when he was 12 years old, and Gerald has been on a musical journey ever since. His mother taught him to play piano and sing, and in his youth, he was a part of both the youth and adult choirs. When he was 18 Carrie Records offered him an independent recording contract to record a single. After a short-lived R&B career, he went back where he belonged, to God. He's always enjoyed writing, playing, and singing gospel music, and he began doing gospel recording sessions for different choirs, artists, and producers in Nashville and Atlanta. After that, he continued to write and compose, and his wife persuaded him to go back to the studio and do a few demos. This led ultimately to his album, Latter Rain. The album "Hope Faith And Love" almost did not happen because of his bout with colon cancer, "but God brought me through it", says Gerald. With the release of his brand-new single "If I Ever Wondered Why...
Read more
Image
Married music duo Cliff and Susan from Little Rock, Arkansas, impress global audiences with their vibrant, multi-genre performances. Cliff, an experienced multi-instrumentalist and producer, met Susan, an internationally successful piano entertainer, on stage in 2016. They've since performed over 200 shows annually, released standout tracks like "Drivin' Me Crazy" and "Fiddle & Keys", and even appeared on the nationally televised Huckabee Show. They've opened for national acts such as ZZ Top and Niko Moon. Aside from their music, they operate Big Red Dog Productions, a music production company. Their Yadaloo Music & Arts Festival has earned them accolades as award-winning event promoters. They also host a podcast and run the Entertainers Academy to support other independent artists. Cliff, Susan, and their three little dogs make their home in Little Rock, Arkansas. The release of their fabulous rendition of "Into The Mystic" (MTS) they ...
Read more
Image
Conner Smith is opening up in a deeply personal way with his new single, “Never Be Gone,” a tribute to his late grandfather and his second self-written release of the year. The emotional track begins with a real voicemail from his grandfather, setting the tone for a song rooted in faith, family, and the lasting impact of love and hard work. Through vivid memories—like references to an ’87 Chevy and Southern traditions—Smith reflects on the lessons that continue to shape him. “I sure wish my grandpa was here to listen to this record – he would’ve loved his feature,” Smith shared. “Songs like this are why I thank God I get to be a part of country music.” “Never Be Gone” also appears on Smith’s recent acoustic collection STORIES I’VE NEVER TOLD, where he wrote several of the tracks on his own, further highlighting his personal storytelling. The release comes as the rising country artist builds momentum onstage. He recently performed at the Ryman Auditorium for the Breland & Friends be...
Read more