Nashville Songwriter Records New Version of 'The Littlest Star (A Christmas Song)'

 

     NASHVILLE — “The Littlest Star” is shining again with the release of a new single by Nashville singer-songwriter Chuck Whiting.

    The classic holiday tune was first recorded by country legend Margo Smith in 2000. It hit several singles charts and continues to be heard every Christmas season on radio and online media platforms.

    “Writers of a dear song sometimes want to release their own versions,” said Whiting, who recorded “The Littlest Star” at Nashville’s Eastside Sound in November 2021. “It’s a wonderful feeling to bring the music and story back to life. I loved working on it again.”

"The Littlest Star" book cover (artwork by Robert Roberg)

    The original “The Littlest Star: a musical story” features an EP with performances by Smith, Grammy-nominated guitarist Denny Jiosa, and Nashville Chamber violinist Conni Ellisor. The hard cover book features original artwork by Smithsonian-exhibited American folk artist Robert Roberg, who also co-wrote the song with Whiting. A play based on the book has been developed for future staging. The CD and book are available from Shine Time Records and Books in Nashville.

    The story centers on The Littlest Star, the tiniest star of all. All of the other stars were dispatched on their missions, but he was left in God’s pocket all alone. Finally, after thousands of years, he was polished up and sent out on the most important mission in the Universe.

'The Littlest Star' video (By Chuck Whiting)

    “It’s a very moving tale that combines fantasy with truth,” Whiting added. “Various books, songs and plays based on the same theme have been released since we first introduced the song and book in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The story is deeply touching and needs to be told.”

    The latest single features performances by violinist/mandolinist Myles Thompson, vocalist/guitarist/studio engineer Angel Pontier, and vocalist Katie Brooks. The song is Copyright 1988 by Striking Moon Music (ASCAP).

Bethlehem (artwork by Robert Roberg)

    “The Littlest Star (A Christmas Story)” can be heard for free on YouTube and other online media platforms.

    Listeners can follow Chuck Whiting on Instagram and Facebook @Chuck.Whiting and @MusicCityArts.

Don't Be Blue (artwork by Robert Roberg)

'Tunesmithing' to Spotlight Five Nashville Songwriting Acts on March 16

         NASHVILLE, Tenn. (March 2019) -- Five professional songwriting acts will take the stage on March 16 (Saturday) at "Tunesmithing," a monthly songwriters show at WXYZ Restaurant/Bar at the Aloft Nashville West End Hotel, 1719 West End Ave. 

          Attendees will enjoy original songs and instrumentals by Scott Barrier, Pam Belford, Chakra Bleu, Denny Sarokin, and Bob Teague. Admission is free. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Nashville composer-educator-publicist Chuck Whiting will emcee the show. Engineer-songwriter-performer AJ Bigler will handle sound. 

          "Tunesmithing" songwriters showcase is sponsored by Music City Arts Network, Striking Moon Music, and Shine Time Music. The monthly show was founded in 2003 to spotlight emerging, professional and hit songwriters, as well as artists of all kinds. The event offers mentoring, career growth and networking opportunities for artists at all levels.  

          For more information about "Tunesmithing", call (615) 423-9857, write Info@MusicCityArts.net, or visit http://www.Tunesmithing.com.

 

Five Songwriting Acts to Perform at 'Tunesmithing' Songwriters Show on Feb. 16

         NASHVILLE, Tenn. (February 2019) -- Five professional songwriting acts will take the stage on Feb. 16 (Saturday) at "Tunesmithing," a monthly songwriters show at WXYZ Restaurant/Bar at the Aloft Nashville West End Hotel, 1719 West End Ave. 

          Attendees will enjoy original songs and instrumentals by Valerie Connelly, Lisa Hannah, Michael Laidley, Denny Martin, and Julie Rust. Admission is free. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Nashville composer-educator-publicist Chuck Whiting will emcee the show. Engineer-songwriter-performer AJ Bigler will handle sound. 

          "Tunesmithing" songwriters showcase is sponsored by Music City Arts Network, Striking Moon Music, and Shine Time Music. The monthly show was founded in 2003 to spotlight emerging, professional and hit songwriters, as well as artists of all kinds. The event offers mentoring, career growth and networking opportunities for artists at all levels.  

          For more information about "Tunesmithing", call (615) 423-9857, write Info@MusicCityArts.net, or visit http://www.Tunesmithing.com.

Five Songwriting Acts to Take Stage at 'Tunesmithing' Songwriters Show on Jan. 19

         NASHVILLE -- Five professional songwriting acts will take the stage on Jan. 19 (Saturday) at "Tunesmithing," a monthly songwriters show at WXYZ Restaurant/Bar at the Aloft Nashville West End Hotel, 1719 West End Ave. 

          Attendees will enjoy original songs and instrumentals by Lisa Aschmann, Meredith Bliss, Everette Brown, Dar Frantz, and Paul Nielsen. Admission is free. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Nashville composer-educator-publicist Chuck Whiting will emcee the show. Engineer-songwriter-performer AJ Bigler will handle sound. 

          "Tunesmithing" songwriters showcase is sponsored by Music City Arts Network, Striking Moon Music, and Shine Time Music. The monthly show was founded in 2003 to spotlight emerging, professional and hit songwriters, as well as artists of all kinds. The event offers mentoring, career growth and networking opportunities for artists at all levels. 

          For more information about "Tunesmithing", call (615) 423-9857, write Info@MusicCityArts.net, or visit http://www.Tunesmithing.com.

Five Songwriting Acts to Take Stage for 'Tunesmithing' Songwriters Show on Nov. 17

     NASHVILLE -- Five professional songwriting acts will take the stage Nov. 17  (Saturday) at "Tunesmithing," a monthly songwriters show at WXYZ Restaurant/Bar at the Aloft Nashville West End Hotel, 1719 West End Ave. 

     Attendees will enjoy original songs and instrumentals by Joe Bidewell, Kelley Cline, Drobac & Shaw, David Llewellyn, and Debbie Watts. Admission is free. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Nashville composer-educator-publicist Chuck Whiting will emcee the show. 

     "Tunesmithing" songwriters showcase is sponsored by Music City Arts Network, Striking Moon Music, and Shine Time Music. The monthly show was founded in 2003 to spotlight emerging, professional and hit songwriters, as well as artists of all kinds. The event offers mentoring, career growth and networking opportunities for artists at all levels. 

     For more information about "Tunesmithing", call (615) 423-9857, write Info@MusicCityArts.net, or visit http://www.Tunesmithing.com.

Tunesmithing to Spotlight Four Nashville Songwriting Duos With Special Show on Aug. 18

         NASHVILLE, Tenn. (August 2018) -- Four Nashville songwriting duos will take the stage on Aug. 18 (Saturday) at "Tunesmithing," a monthly songwriters show at WXYZ Restaurant/Bar at the Aloft Nashville West End Hotel, 1719 West End Ave. 

          Attendees will enjoy original songs and instrumentals by Mark Elliott & Gary Culley, Nancy Moran & Fett, Tim & Myles Thompson, and Carol Warren & Dale Whitehead. Admission is free. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Nashville composer-educator-publicist Chuck Whiting will emcee the show. Songwriter/audio engineer AJ Bigler will handle sound. 

          "Tunesmithing" songwriters showcase is sponsored by Music City Arts Network, Striking Moon Music, and Shine Time Music. The monthly show was founded in 2003 to spotlight emerging, professional and hit songwriters, as well as artists of all kinds. The event offers mentoring, career growth and networking opportunities for artists at all levels.  

          For more information about "Tunesmithing", call (615) 423-9857, write Info@MusicCityArts.net, or visit http://www.Tunesmithing.com.

Tunesmithing Songwriters Showcase to Spotlight Six Tunesmiths in Nashville on July 14

         NASHVILLE -- Six professional songwriting acts will perform on July 14 (Saturday) at "Tunesmithing," a monthly songwriters show at WXYZ Restaurant/Bar at the Aloft Nashville West End Hotel, 1719 West End Ave. 

          Attendees will enjoy original songs and instrumentals by Lisa Aschmann, Joey Boone, Wil Comstock, Angel Pontier, Laura Powers, and Chuck Whiting. Admission is free. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Nashville composer-educator-publicist Chuck Whiting will emcee the show. Songwriter/audio engineer AJ Bigler will handle sound. 

          "Tunesmithing" songwriters showcase is sponsored by Music City Arts Network, Striking Moon Music, and Shine Time Music. The monthly show was founded in 2003 to spotlight emerging, professional and hit songwriters, as well as artists of all kinds. The event offers mentoring, career growth and networking opportunities for artists at all levels. 

          For more information about "Tunesmithing", call (615) 423-9857, write Info@MusicCityArts.net, or visit http://www.Tunesmithing.com.

 

Tunesmithing to Spotlight Five Songwriting Acts in Nashville on June 16

         NASHVILLE -- Five professional songwriting acts will perform on June 16 (Saturday) at "Tunesmithing," a monthly songwriters show hosted by Music City Arts at WXYZ Restaurant/Bar at the Aloft Nashville West End Hotel, 1719 West End Ave. 
         
         Attendees will enjoy original songs and instrumentals by Sarah DeFors, Gordon Ellis, Mike Mitchell, Susan Shann, and Jamey & Tamara Whiting. Admission is free. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Nashville composer-educator-publicist Chuck Whiting will emcee the show. Songwriter/audio engineer AJ Bigler will handle sound. 

 

          "Tunesmithing" songwriters showcase is sponsored by Music City Arts Network, Striking Moon Music, and Shine Time Music. The monthly show was founded in 2003 to spotlight emerging, professional and hit songwriters, as well as artists of all kinds. The event offers mentoring, career growth and networking opportunities for artists at all levels. 

          For more information about "Tunesmithing", call (615) 423-9857, write Info@MusicCityArts.net, or visit http://www.Tunesmithing.com.

Tunesmithing Songwriters Show to Spotlight Five Professional Songwriters in Nashville on May 19

         NASHVILLE, Tenn. (May 2018) -- Five professional songwriting acts will perform on May 19 (Saturday) at "Tunesmithing," a monthly songwriters show at WXYZ Restaurant/Bar at the Aloft Nashville West End Hotel, 1719 West End Ave. 

          Attendees will enjoy original songs and instrumentals by Meredith Blis, Warren Evans, Lisa Hannah, Antoinette Olesen, and Debbie Watts. Admission is free. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Nashville composer-educator-publicist Chuck Whiting will emcee the show. Songwriter/audio engineer AJ Bigler will handle sound. 

          "This month's 'Tunesmithing' will be an exciting mix of piano and guitar," said Whiting, a composer, educator and publicist who founded Music City Arts Network. "We always have outstanding talent. It's also a wonderful opportunity for songwriters to fellowship with their peers and learn from some of the top professionals in Nashville."

          "Tunesmithing" songwriters showcase is sponsored by Music City Arts Network, Striking Moon Music, and Shine Time Music. The monthly show was founded in 2003 to spotlight emerging, professional and hit songwriters, as well as artists of all kinds. The event offers mentoring, career growth and networking opportunities for artists at all levels. For more information about "Tunesmithing", call (615) 423-9857, write Info@MusicCityArts.net, or visit http://www.Tunesmithing.com.

Tunesmithing Songwriters Show to Feature Performances By Five Professional Songwriters on April 21

    NASHVILLE -- Five professional songwriting acts will perform on April 21 (Saturday) at "Tunesmithing," a monthly songwriters show at WXYZ Restaurant/Bar at the Aloft Nashville West End Hotel, 1719 West End Ave. 

     Attendees will enjoy original songs and instrumentals by Katie Brooks, Christi Darby, Dar Frantz, Don McNatt, and Angel Pontier. Admission is free. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Nashville composer-educator-publicist Chuck Whiting will emcee the show. Songwriter/audio engineer AJ Bigler will handle sound. 

     "Tunesmithing" songwriters showcase is sponsored by Music City Arts Network, Striking Moon Music, and Shine Time Music. The monthly show was founded in 2003 to spotlight emerging, professional and hit songwriters, as well as artists of all kinds. The event offers mentoring, career growth and networking opportunities for artists at all levels. 

     For more information about "Tunesmithing", call (615) 423-9857, write Info@MusicCityArts.net, or visit http://www.Tunesmithing.com.

'Tunesmithing' Songwriters Show to Spotlight Five Professional Songwriters on March 17

         NASHVILLE, Tenn. (March 2018) -- Five professional songwriting acts will perform on March 17 (Saturday) at "Tunesmithing," a monthly songwriters show at WXYZ Restaurant/Bar at the Aloft Nashville West End Hotel, 1719 West End Ave. 

          Attendees will enjoy original songs and instrumentals by Scott Barrier, Pam Belford, Donna Frost, Mike Lewis, and Bill Warrington. Admission is free. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Nashville composer-educator-publicist Chuck Whiting will emcee the show. Songwriter/audio engineer AJ Bigler will handle sound. 

          Pam Belford's songs have been recorded by Dean Dillon, Doug Stone, Rich McCready and a variety of other artists. She wrote the title cut on the George Strait album, “Holding My Own,” and her song, “If I Know Me”, also recorded by George Strait, was number one on the Billboard Country Chart for two weeks in a row. 

Hit songwriter Pam Belford performs in Nashville (Photo by Chuck Whiting)

          "Tunesmithing" songwriters showcase is sponsored by Music City Arts Network, Striking Moon Music, and Shine Time Music. The monthly show was founded in 2003 to spotlight emerging, professional and hit songwriters, as well as artists of all kinds. The event offers mentoring, career growth and networking opportunities for artists at all levels.  

          For more information about "Tunesmithing", call (615) 423-9857, write Info@MusicCityArts.net, or visit http://www.Tunesmithing.com.

Five Artists to Take Stage at Tunesmithing in Nashville on Feb. 17

     NASHVILLE -- Five professional songwriting acts will perform on Feb. 17 (Saturday) at "Tunesmithing," a monthly songwriters show at WXYZ Restaurant/Bar at the Aloft Nashville West End Hotel, 1719 West End Ave. 
     
     Attendees will enjoy original songs and instrumentals by Chakra Bleu, Everette Brown, Valerie Connelly, Michael Laidley, and Denny Sarokin. Admission is free. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Nashville composer-educator-publicist Chuck Whiting will emcee the show. Songwriter/audio engineer AJ Bigler will handle sound. 

(Denny Sarokin has written for, recorded and toured with Every Mother’s Son; Rick Nelson & The Stone Canyon Band; Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young; and The Monkees, and written and recorded hundreds of songs for television and soundtracks.)

     "Tunesmithing" songwriters showcase is sponsored by Music City Arts Network, Striking Moon Music, and Shine Time Music. The monthly show was founded in 2003 to spotlight emerging, professional and hit songwriters, as well as artists of all kinds. The event offers mentoring, career growth and networking opportunities for artists at all levels. 

     "It's a wonderful opportunity for emerging and professional songwriters to share their original works in a supportive atmosphere," said Whiting, founder of Music City Arts Network and instructor of Mass Communications for Motlow State Community College. "Our goal is to help Nashville area writers grow creatively and make life-changing relationships."

     For more information about "Tunesmithing", call (615) 423-9857, write Info@MusicCityArts.net, or visit http://www.Tunesmithing.com.

'Tunesmithing' to Spotlight Five Songwriting Acts in Nashville on Jan. 20

         NASHVILLE, Tenn. (January 2018) -- Five professional songwriting acts will perform on Jan. 20 (Saturday) at "Tunesmithing," a monthly songwriters show at WXYZ Restaurant/Bar at the Aloft Nashville West End Hotel, 1719 West End Ave. 

          Attendees will enjoy original songs and instrumentals by Lisa Aschmann, East Side Story, Suzahn Fiering, Les Kerr, and Paul Nielsen. Admission is free. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Nashville composer/educator/publicist Chuck Whiting will emcee the show. Songwriter/audio engineer AJ Bigler will handle sound. 

          "It's a great opportunity to hear and support some of Nashville's most talented songwriters in a listening environment," said Whiting, a composer and publicist who serves as a professor of Mass Communications at Motlow State Community College. "We are open to all genres of music, including Americana, country, pop, jazz, Christian and classical."

          "Tunesmithing" songwriters showcase is sponsored by Music City Arts Network, Striking Moon Music, and Shine Time Music. The monthly show was founded in 2003 to spotlight emerging, professional and hit songwriters, as well as artists of all kinds. The event offers mentoring, career growth and networking opportunities for artists at all levels.  

          For more information or to inquire about performing at "Tunesmithing", call (615) 423-9857, write Info@Tunesmithing.com, or visit http://www.Tunesmithing.com.

'Tunesmithing' Songwriters Night to Return on Dec. 16 with Holiday Show

     NASHVILLE -- "Tunesmithing" songwriters night will celebrate the holiday season with a special show from 7-9:30 p.m. Dec. 16 (Saturday) at WXYZ Restaurant/Bar at the Aloft Nashville West End Hotel, 1719 West End Ave. 

     Attendees will enjoy original and classic holiday songs, poems and/or stories by AJ Bigler, Sally Burgess, Kelley Cline, Wil Comstock, Valerie Connelly, Gordon Ellis, Suzahn Fiering, Dar Frantz, Mark Horwitz, Les Kerr, Michael Laidley, Candy Paull, Angel Pontier, and Chuck Whiting. Admission is free. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.

     Nashville composer/educator/publicist Chuck Whiting will emcee the show. Songwriter/audio engineer AJ Bigler will handle sound. "Tunesmithing" songwriters showcase is sponsored by Music City Arts Network and Shine Time Books and Music. 

     "We are thrilled to be returning to the Aloft West End in Nashville," said Whiting. "Our annual holiday 'Tunesmithing' will feature a mix of original songs, carols, poems and stories. We always have a wonderful time."

     The monthly show was founded in 2003 to spotlight emerging, professional and hit songwriters, as well as artists of all kinds. The event offers mentoring, career growth and networking opportunities for artists at all levels. 

     For more information about "Tunesmithing", call (615) 423-9857, write Info@Tunesmithing.com, or visit http://www.Tunesmithing.com.

'Tunesmithing' to Feature Eight Songwriters in Nashville on June 16

          NASHVILLE -- "Tunesmithing" songwriters showcase will spotlight eight Americana, country and pop songwriters from 7-9:30 p.m. June 16 (Thursday) at WXYZ Restaurant/Bar at the Aloft Nashville Hotel, 1719 West End Ave. (near Music Row). 

          Attendees will enjoy original songs by professional songwriters Charles Alexander, Chakra Bleu, Nancy Moran & Fett, and Laura Powers & Dan Brayall. Taking the stage from 7-7:30 p.m. for a mini-showcase will be new artists Alexis Julia and Joanna Yaeger. 

(NEWS BULLETIN: 'Tunesmithing" will be moving to a new venue after the June 16 show. Heartfelt thanks to the Aloft Hotel West End staff (including Lisa Rae Shekter) for hosting us for two years. They have been sensational!)

          Admission is free. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Publicist Chuck Whiting will emcee the show. Songwriter/audio engineer AJ Bigler will handle sound. "Tunesmithing" songwriters showcase is sponsored by Music City Arts Network. 

          The monthly show, which occurs on the third Thursday, was founded in 2003 to spotlight emerging, professional and hit songwriters, as well as artists of all kinds. The event offers mentoring, career growth and networking opportunities for artists at all levels. 

          For more information about "Tunesmithing", call (615) 423-9857, write Info@Tunesmithing.com, or visit http://www.Tunesmithing.com.

'Tunesmithing' to Spotlight Five Americana Songwriting Acts on April 20

         NASHVILLE, Tenn. (April 2016) -- "Tunesmithing" songwriters showcase will spotlight five Americana songwriting acts from 7-9:30 p.m. April 20 (Wednesday) at WXYZ Restaurant/Bar at the Aloft Nashville Hotel, 1719 West End Ave. (near Music Row). 

          Attendees will enjoy original songs by East Side Story, Dar Frantz, Donna Frost, Les Kerr, and Angel Pontier. Admission is free. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Publicist Chuck Whiting will emcee the show. Songwriter/audio engineer AJ Bigler will handle sound. 

East Side Story (Photo provided by East Side Story)

          "Tunesmithing" songwriters showcase is sponsored by Music City Arts Network and Whiting Publicity and Promotions. The monthly show was founded in 2003 to spotlight emerging, professional and hit songwriters, as well as artists of all kinds. The event offers mentoring, career growth and networking opportunities for artists at all levels. 

Les Kerr (Photo provided by Les Kerr)

          For more information about "Tunesmithing", call (615) 423-9857, write Info@Tunesmithing.com, or visit http://www.Tunesmithing.com.

Donna Frost (Photo provided by Donna Frost)

Dar Frantz (Photo provided by Dar Frantz)

Angel Pontier (Photo provided by Angel Pontier)

'Tunesmithing' to Celebrate Blues, Country and Americana in Nashville on March 16

     NASHVILLE -- "Tunesmithing" songwriters showcase will spotlight five professional songwriting acts from 7-9:30 p.m. March 16 (Wednesday) at WXYZ Restaurant/Bar at the Aloft Nashville Hotel, 1719 West End Ave. (near Music Row). 

     Attendees will enjoy original songs by Brian Ashley Jones, Michael Laidley & Rachel VanSlyke, Jody Soland, Stacia Watkins, and Shannon Williford. Admission is free. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Publicist Chuck Whiting will emcee the show. Songwriter/audio engineer AJ Bigler will handle sound. 

Brian Ashley Jones (Photo provided by Brian Ashley Jones)

     "Tunesmithing" songwriters showcase is sponsored by Music City Arts Network and Whiting Publicity and Promotions. The monthly show was founded in 2003 to spotlight emerging, professional and hit songwriters, as well as artists of all kinds. The event offers mentoring, career growth and networking opportunities for artists at all levels.  

     For more information about "Tunesmithing", call (615) 423-9857, write Info@Tunesmithing.com, or visit http://www.Tunesmithing.com.

Stacia Watkins (photo provided by Stacia Watkins)

Michael Laidley (from Michael Laidley)

Rachel VanSlyke (Photo from Rachel VanSlyke website)

Jody Soland (Photo from Jody Soland website)

Shannon Williford (from Nashville Musicians Union AFM Local 257 website)

'Tunesmithing' Spotlights Some of Nashville's Top Songwriters... Next Show Is Feb. 17

'Tunesmithing' to Feature Jimmy Borja, Suzahn Fiering, Tom Shinness and Others on Feb. 17

         NASHVILLE, Tenn. (February 2016) -- "Tunesmithing" songwriters showcase will spotlight five professional songwriters from 7-9:30 p.m. Feb. 17 (Wednesday) at WXYZ Restaurant/Bar at the Aloft Nashville Hotel, 1719 West End Ave. (near Music Row). 

          Attendees will enjoy original songs by Jimmy Borja, Suzahn Fiering, Tom Shinness, Jackie Steil, and Bert Stratton. Admission is free. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Publicist Chuck Whiting will emcee the show. Songwriter/audio engineer AJ Bigler will handle sound. 

Tom Shinness (Photo provided by Tom Shinness)

          "Tunesmithing" songwriters showcase is sponsored by Music City Arts Network and Whiting Publicity and Promotions. The monthly show was founded in 2003 to spotlight emerging, professional and hit songwriters, as well as artists of all kinds. The event offers mentoring, career growth and networking opportunities for artists at all levels.  

          For more information about "Tunesmithing", call (615) 423-9857, write Info@Tunesmithing.com, or visit http://www.Tunesmithing.com.

 

Suzahn Fiering (Photo provided by Suzahn Fiering)

Jimmy Borja (Photo provided by Jimmy Borja)

 

Jackie Steil (Photo provided by Jackie Steil)

Bert Stratton (Photo provided by Bert Stratton)

Good Music on a Cold, Snowy Night in Nashville

          Songwriters gather after "Tunesmithing" songwriters showcase on Jan. 20. Christi Darby, Lisa Hannah, Jason Kabler, and Ric Sandler braved the icy streets for outstanding performances. Special thanks to AJ Bigler for handling sound and the staff of the Aloft Hotel for supporting the event. Our next Tunesmithing will feature five songwriters on Feb. 17.  http://www.Tunesmithing.com #ChuckWhiting #MusicCityArts

          Would you like to perform at "Tunesmithing" in Nashville? Write us at info@Tunesmithing.com.