Country music continues to prove it knows no borders as American country veteran Chris Chitsey joins forces with one of the United Kingdom’s most exciting emerging country artists, Bee Smith on their new transatlantic duet, “Summer Before The Fall,” available now via Clinetel Nashville Records with distribution through SONY/The Orchard.Blending contemporary country production with timeless storytelling, “Summer Before The Fall” explores the emotional crossroads that occur when lifelong friendship begins to evolve into something more. Written by Smith and Thornton Cline and produced by acclaimed Nashville hitmaker D. Scott Miller, the song captures the uncertainty, hope, and vulnerability of risking everything for the possibility of true love. Built around a question many have quietly asked themselves—what happens when your best friend becomes the love of your life?—the duet follows two lifelong friends as they confront feelings they’ve never fully acknowledged. Through heartfelt lyrics and soaring harmonies, Chitsey and Smith bring the story to life with authenticity and emotional depth. The single has already earned a nomination for Vocal Event of the Year at the 2026 Josie Music Awards, which will be held this September at Nashville’s legendary Grand Ole Opry House.“There is an excitement building around this song,” says Smith. “Bringing it to life with Chris made it even more meaningful. The moment I heard his voice, I knew he was the perfect fit. I feel incredibly fortunate to have Chris and such an exceptional group of musicians contributing to this record.” The collaboration arrives at a significant moment for both artists.In recent years, Chitsey has experienced a remarkable career resurgence. Since signing an eight-single deal with Clinetel Nashville in 2023, he has delivered a string of global No. 1 hits, including “Last Time I Saw You,” “Life Is Hard, Whiskey Is Easy,” “Every Small Town,” “Chasing Taillights” and, most recently, his biggest radio success to date, “Where Ya Been Girl.” His music has also crossed into film and television, with “Every Small Town” serving as the theme song for the streaming reality series Only in Iola, in which Chitsey appears throughout multiple seasons. Meanwhile, Smith continues to establish herself as one of the UK’s most promising country music exports. The 2025 ISSA Songwriter of the Year has earned international recognition for her emotionally resonant songwriting, soulful vocals, and growing collection of industry accolades, including multiple Josie Music Award nominations and Top 10 placements in the World Songwriting Awards.Adding to the excitement surrounding the release, the artists recently returned from Cancun, Mexico, where they spent a week filming the official music video for “Summer Before The Fall.” Set against a breathtaking backdrop of turquoise waters, white-sand beaches and stunning Caribbean sunsets, the video perfectly captures the song’s story of friendship, possibility and romance. With its universal message, cinematic storytelling, and undeniable vocal chemistry, “Summer Before The Fall” is poised to become one of the standout country duets of the summer.Beyond the music, Chitsey continues to partner with brands that reflect his connection to craftsmanship, heritage, and lifestyle culture, including Jack Daniel’s Whiskey, Deep Eddy Vodka, Marriott International, Inc., Chuck Norris’s CForce Premium Artesian Water, American Hat Makers, Molly’s Custom Silver, TEXITCoin, Clinetel Nashville Records, and SONY/The Orchard.About Chris Chitsey: Chris Chitsey is a Texas-born country recording artist whose career spans decades and includes numerous international chart-topping singles. Known for his authentic country sound and dynamic live performances, Chitsey has enjoyed a remarkable resurgence in recent years, earning multiple No. 1 hits and expanding his reach through music, television, and strategic brand partnerships.