By Any Means: The Album Artists to Embark on 7 Date November Tour Celebrating '60s Soul Music Anthems

Anzie Blue Records, in collaboration with Ole Smoky Distillery, is spearheading a seven-city tour this November that pays tribute to iconic 1960s soul music. Titled the "Moonshine & Music" tour, this event accompanies the recent release of By Any Means: The Album, a project that revisits classic soul anthems while introducing an original title track penned by acclaimed songwriter Diane Warren.

The tour features musical director Pynk Beard alongside artists Steve Ray Ladson, Elsie, and Stella Prince, who bring their interpretations of the era’s legendary sounds to venues across the United States. Special guest appearances by Tone Stith, Reyna Roberts, 2'Live Bre, and Tatiana Marie Clark are scheduled in select cities, enhancing the lineup with diverse talent connected to the album’s spirit.

Launching on November 6 at Delmar Hall in St. Louis—a city deeply woven into the fabric of American soul and the hometown of The Isley Brothers—the tour proceeds through significant centers of Black musical heritage including Nashville, New Orleans, Atlanta, Jacksonville, Myrtle Beach, and Los Angeles. Notably, shows in Nashville and Myrtle Beach will be accessible for free at Ole Smoky Distillery venues, underscoring the event’s intent to make soul music widely available.

By Any Means: The Album reflects a collective homage to soul legends such as Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, James Brown, and others. Many tracks were recorded at the historic FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, a location renowned for its contributions to soul and R&B. This setting provided an authentic backdrop that connects the contemporary project to the genre’s roots.

The album’s original title track, performed by The Isley Brothers and Nashville’s David Kushner, has generated considerable Oscar buzz as a contender for Best Original Song in the 2027 Academy Awards. Industry outlets and critics have highlighted its potential, adding prestige to the tour’s promotional platform.

Apple Music’s Rissi Palmer, known for her work on Color Me Country Radio, curated local opening acts for each city, emphasizing community engagement and support for emerging artists. Palmer’s involvement aligns with the tour’s broader mission of celebrating cultural heritage while fostering new talent within the music industry.

Executive production credits include Hit-Boy, notable for collaborations with top-tier artists like Beyoncé and Jay-Z, and Dr. Blum, whose portfolio features names such as Twenty One Pilots and Nas. The involvement of Parasol Music further contributes to the album’s layered production, blending contemporary and classic elements.

The tour follows a high-profile performance by several album artists at the State Fair of Texas, an event that provided significant exposure for the project. Media appearances by Steve Ray Ladson and Pynk Beard on regional television programs have helped build momentum, alongside visual content directed by Fran Strine, who brought his experience from Dolly Parton’s concert film to the album’s music videos.

Beyond celebrating music, the By Any Means initiative supports the Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC), with net proceeds aiding the organization’s efforts to promote equity and opportunity in the music industry. Anzie Blue Records and Ole Smoky also participated in BMAC’s 2026 gala, honoring figures such as Patti LaBelle, Public Enemy, and Common.

Overall, the Moonshine & Music tour offers a unique blend of homage and contemporary artistry, spotlighting the enduring influence of 1960s soul while nurturing present-day musicianship. The affordable ticket pricing and free shows at distillery venues underscore an inclusive approach, inviting a broad audience to experience the rich legacy and ongoing evolution of American soul music.