If something works, why change it? Just create new versions. That’s how Justin Chart, a singer, songwriter and performer who grew up in North Hollywood, keeps experiencing success with a song and video about Los Angeles he wrote, sang, performed and recorded in 2012. Chart wrote “Los Angeles the Song” to express the spirit and soul he feels from the city. So far six versions of the original song and video exist, performed by Chart and other singing groups. Together they’ve received more than 11 million views on YouTube. For example, Chart recorded “Los Angeles Latin” featuring Angelenos dancing Latin style. In “Los Angeles Voice of The World,” 40 local singers originally from 28 countries sing a version of the song using more than 50 instruments. Chart recently began work on the newest version of the original song and video – a rendition that will be sung and performed by three gospel choirs. The idea for “Los Angeles The Vision” came during a recent holiday while attending a choir performance. “I felt a great energy listening to the choir sing; I wanted to be a part of that,” Chart said. He’s working on another iteration of the song as well called “Los Angeles a City Alive,” which takes place in the future. “I wanted to show L.A. and the possibilities it has for the future,” Chart said. “Everything is moving forward for the good, for the most part, but some things about it are iffy.” To give the song a futuristic sound, Chart invented the ChartArc, a 9-foot-long assemblage of 15 computer motherboards that Chart plays in the video. Chart hasn’t been paid for any of his work, but has been recognized by officials including L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti and U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein. The city of Los Angeles recognized “Los Angeles the Song” and its role in the city’s history with a City Council resolution. Now, Chart is hoping to monetize his song by printing popular lines on items such as sweatshirts, hoodies and coffee mugs to sell. He also hopes to convince Los Angeles International Airport to play his song in the international terminal to welcome visitors. “There are multi-millions of dollars to be made,” Chart said. – Carol Lawrence