Urban drinks are featured. Whiskey consumption has grown over the last few years as people seek out new flavors and styles of moonshine. Authorities suspected carbon monoxide poisoning. [3][4] Before his rise to fame at around 60 years of age, he had been in trouble with the law several times, but had avoided prison sentences. Lunn and Henley and the other employees of the distillery became employees of the Sazerac Company. An incident report filed by the Cocke County Sheriffs Department says that Sutton was discovered dead in his 1982 Ford Fairmont when his wife, Pam Sutton, returned from running errands. Over the course of his infamous career, Sutton faced a number of criminal complaints and convictions for moonshine-related crimes. As industrious about marketing his booze as he was about making it, Popcorn spent decades traveling the South, stealthily pawning jars from the back of his vintage rides. Children. Popcorn Sutton was married to Pam Sutton. Popcorn Suttons real name is Marvin Sutton. As a result, the judge had reason to show him leniency. Is Pam Sutton Still Alive Photo by - wp On December 1, 2021, a long illness claimed the life of a dear friend. She suspected even then that her daddy might be responsible. Copyright 2023 Distractify. Because of its high alcohol content, moonshine is not typically sold in stores, but instead is consumed at home or by bar patrons who want to imbibe in a spirit with a distinct flavor profile. Since his passing, his fame has only become more widespread with a new whiskey company that bears his name and numerous mentions on Discovery Channels popular show Moonshiners. Pamela and Tommy had a whirlwind romance. But the real question isnt what he did in 1983 its about the many bouts with the law throughout the 1970s, 1980s and early 2000s. Your support of SMN does not constitute a charitable donation. Bill, who played guitar and harmonica on the show, died in early 2019 after a lengthy battle with cancer. On the day of his death, a fan wrote on Twitter, "Toasting the passing of the famous moonshiner Popcorn Sutton. Birthday: May 21, 1942. Sutton began his moonshining and bootlegging empire with just one barrel, that too, at a time when they were considered illicit businesses in the US. This is one of the internets most popular searches about Sutton. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Grosser was just like any other fanboy whod come to meet the living legend and buy some hooch. I can brag about one thing, Popcorn once said in his thick Southern drawl. He published the book at his junk shop in Maggie Valley. To elude the cops, he switched up the cars oftenit was a 46 Willis Jeep one trip, a 53 Ford convertible the next. The states with the most moonshiners, on the other hand, are not among the top five for per capita moonshine production. Bell Mary. People in the community didnt know how close we was, and I wouldnt tell em, Moore admits. Spouse. While Sutton made his career out of this illegal trade, his rise to massive fame didnt happen until he was about 60 years old. [7] He said he had considered a harsher sentence of 24 months, but had decided on 18 months after considering Sutton's age and medical condition. But Popcorn, who seemed unusually sullen to Grosser, had other plans. It was an absolute honor to meet him. "Of course he did. Popcorn has never been secretive about his tendency for making moonshine. Popcorn ran an antique shop in Maggie Valley as recently as a few years ago, where one could supposedly buy a jar of moonshine it they asked the right way. But with thousands of people, including then-Gov. Popcorn had just one question for the stranger. Whiskey is a great beverage to try if youre looking for something different. His money was running out, and many of his friends, he lamented, had stopped coming around. Bills organizing of the Moonshiners Reunion and Mountain Music Festival will continue, and he will perform at R.J. Rockers Brewery in honor of his music and life. However, he always received only probation sentences. His most recent conviction for selling over 650 gallons of moonshine resulted in him being placed on probation. The pulley consists of two ropes attached to a pair of Timberland boots, so that Pams legs could be more easily hoisted in the air. [34] Country music stars attending the launch event included Martina McBride, Jamey Johnson, Randy Houser, Travis Tritt, Tanya Tucker, Zac Brown, Josh Thompson, Kentucky Headhunters, Little Big Town, Colt Ford, Montgomery Gentry, Jaron and the Long Road to Love, and Lee Brice. According to the Internal Revenue Service, the estate of Kate Sutton is valued at around $500 thousand. Making likker. People had to make a living somehow back then I guess. These states are all part of the southern United States. They were not invited. Both his father and grandfather were police officers and his career has . The fire tipped authorities off that Popcorn was still at it, and wasnt merely producing the occasionall jar here and there but cranking out hundreds of gallons. Sutton appeared in several documentaries including This is the Last Dam Run of Likker Ill Ever Make (featured below). He was methodical about his brand and making a living, Grosser recalls. In 2009, Sutton's estranged daughter Sky published a book titled 'Daddy Moonshine: The Story of Marvin "Popcorn" Sutton,' which gave a lot of details about her father's life. The couple had three children together, but Popcorn Suttons moonshining operation often took him away from home for long periods of time. His widow, Pam, told the outlet that he'd just received a letter to report to prison for an 18-month sentence for illegally distilling spirits, as well as felony possession of a firearm. While some may question whether or not she is worthy of such a windfall, there is no doubt that Pam Sutton is a hard-working woman who has been through a lot in her life. Some people have questioned whether or not Pam Sutton is worthy of the money she has been left. When she was just sixteen, Pam married Popcorn Sutton, a man eighteen years her senior. As only a legend would be, Popcorn Sutton was actually buried twice. Facebook gives people the power to. He went to his grave in a pine casket he bought years ago and kept in a bedroom. Marvin was a kind of cultural icon and an embodiment of moonshine yore when it comes to producing the liquor. In addition to organizing the Mountain Music Festival and the Moonshiners Reunion, Bill plays the guitar and organizes gig events. It will cost you between $30 and $40 in supplies, as well as time spent cooking and fermenting the corn. He said Nobody else could be that handsome We both laughed and he proceeded to tell me how he got his Name. I was wondering if it was the last time the still was going to ever be use, why did they take the time, and hard work to break it down? That man went out in a blaze of glory, and flipping his finger as we went," she said. by Loyola Martinez | Dec 28, 2022 | Popcorn. This led the firefighters to discover 650 gallons of untaxed alcohol. In Maggie Valley, he opened an antique shop as a front, soon a destination for eager buyers from across the region. In 2007, Sutton was caught with over 650 gallons of moonshine by local Cocke County authorities. He was a whole lot smarter than people gave him credit for. Grosser returned on March 16, 2009 to finalize the deal with Popcorn, who was scheduled to go to prison four days later. By deadorkicking.com Editorial Team. This left Pam to raise their children largely on her own. So there my personal opinion. 1. Additionally, Sutton had had a mental breakdown after being diagnosed with cancer. We were deeply saddened to learn of JB Raders and Bill Owens deaths. Through it all, there was just one thing that guided him: his likker (as he liked to spell it). He was handed down light charges at the time, netting nothing more than probation. There arent any more not in his form or fashion, thats for sure., Julia Merchant contributed to this article. Back then, he lived on Snowbird Mountain. Later that day his wife came home from work to find him dead. Pam Sutton was born in 1951 in the small town of Maggie Valley, North Carolina. To Grosser it seemed less like a sellout than the last swift move of a sharp entrepreneur. Its empty. Don Sundquist, visiting for an annual homecoming event, Sutton decided to cook up some real sour mash and dispense it to the crowd in little paper cups. 4 mos. On February 7, 2008, a biker arrived at Popcorns house saying he wanted to buy more than 50 gallons of moonshine. His daughter claimed that he had told her in advance that he would kill himself rather than go to jail. 'Moonshiner' Josh Owens Is Seemingly Prone to Injury, Here's Exactly How the 'Moonshiners' Avoid Getting Arrested. [2][10][11] The New York Times later called it "a rambling, obscene, and often hilarious account of his life in the trade". Newport Plain Talk, Cocke Countys local newspaper, originally reported the following arrests and convictions. 'It was beyond surreal'When he pleaded guilty, it was his fifth conviction. However, there is no doubt that Pam is a hard-working woman who has been through a lot in her life. , Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, The Dangers Of Popcorn Lung: E-Cigarette Use Linked To Fatal Respiratory Illness, How To Prepare Your Airless Sprayer For Spraying Popcorn Ceilings, Adding Subtitles To A Movie On Popcorn Time, Popcorners: A Healthier Alternative To Traditional Snacks, Hoyts Offers Delicious Gluten-Free Popcorn For Movie-Goers With Dietary Restrictions, Sorghum Popcorn: A Delicious And Healthy Snack, The Shulmans Skinny Popcorn Is A Healthier Alternative To Traditional Popcorn, How Much Salt In Orville Redenbacker Popcorn. His gravesite footstone reads "Popcorn Said Fuck You.'' Then there was the alleged attack on Willie Ferguson, a local musician who reportedly made the mistake of crossing Popcorn. A long illness claimed the life of a beloved son on December 1, 2021. Marvin "Popcorn" Sutton. The outlaw spirit soared during Prohibition, when demand for moonshine exploded and bootlegging familieslike NASCAR racer Junior Johnsons and the brothers in this falls Lawlessbecame revered. Sky Moonshine, the estranged daughter of Sutton, published Daddy: The Story of Marvin Popcorn Sutton. One of Popcorns closest and oldest friends was the countys most legendary sheriff, Tooney Moore, who shared his conviction that moonshine was an important part of the local heritage. Beside his grave is a marker that reads, Popcorn said [f] you.. Many moonshiners associate Popcorn Sutton with moonshine. [2][7] Sutton, 62 and suffering from a long illness that his doctors had failed to diagnose, asked the U.S. District Judge Ronnie Greer to allow him to serve his sentence under house arrest, and several petitions were made by others requesting that his sentence be reduced or commuted, but this time to no avail. Box 629, Waynesville, NC 28786 828.452.4251. Concepts LLC and Pam Sutton, the widow of Hank Williams, to create a line of whiskey named after her. As Fontes learned, Popcorn had a long history of cozying up to the police and avoiding prosecution for making untaxed whiskey. "He did it his way. The two made a deal to open Popcorn Sutton Distilling and sell his whiskey on the open market, taxes and all. On November 9, 2010, Hank Williams Jr. partnered with 'J&M Concepts LLC' and Pam Sutton to distill and distribute a whiskey brand titled 'Popcorn Sutton's Tennessee White Whiskey.'. The boy's mother's boyfriend has admitted to beating the child and is expected to face additional charges Thus, it took him forever to clear his debts. Though he looked like Snuffy Smith, he had the mind of a mountain Edison and evolved his family still into an ingenious underground moonshine machine. Though distilling moonshine is illegal, that doesn't stop the Discovery Channel from glorifying the concept in its docudrama series Moonshiners. He honed the perfection of the craft, much like his father and grandfather had before him. Helps Continue Popcorn Sutton's Moonshine Legacy", "Popcorn Sutton's whiskey goes legit with Hank Williams Jr.'s stamp of approval", "Hank Williams, Jr. Gets into the Moonshine Business", "Jack Daniel's in legal fight with small distiller", Dickel master distiller leaving to head Popcorn Sutton, "Sazerac Expanding into Tennessee Whiskey with Distillery Purchase", "Hank Tips a Hat and a Glass To Popcorn Sutton's Tennessee White Whiskey", "Another Dickel Distiller, Alisa Henley, Leaves for Popcorn Sutton", Obituary Of Marvin "Popcorn" Sutton, A Tennessee Moonshiner, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Popcorn_Sutton&oldid=1131948838, People from Maggie Valley, North Carolina, Articles with dead external links from October 2010, Articles with dead external links from May 2013, Short description is different from Wikidata, All articles with specifically marked weasel-worded phrases, Articles with specifically marked weasel-worded phrases from September 2021, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Sutton's long-estranged daughter Sky Sutton wrote a self-published book in 2009 entitled, Some of the prior Hutcheson documentary footage of Sutton was used in the 201112 season of the, A brief photographic book about Sutton was released in 2012 , Another Hutcheson documentary about Sutton was released in 2014 called, This page was last edited on 6 January 2023, at 15:01. ", Popcorn's death remains a topic of discussion this year, as another supporter said, "Remember the Feds killed Popcorn Sutton just because he made his own whiskey on his own land. How Old Is Pam St. Clement? I said, Im sorry, Im not going to turn a blind eye like the others. He arrested Popcorn, who got two years probation for possession of untaxed liquor. Marvin "Popcorn" Sutton killed himself in 2009 after being sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for selling nearly a thousand gallons of moonshine to an undercover agent. The couple had been married for 25 years and had three children together. View the profiles of people named Pamela Sutton. Angel Sutton is organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Glen Sutton. He was 62 years old. Popcorn Sutton poses with one of his moonshine stills (photo shared with permission from Sucker Punch Pictures). he seemed to be a kind old soul. In March 2008, Sutton informed an undercover federal officer about the moonshine gallons in Tennessee and Maggie Valley, which he wanted to trade. Whether people associate his name with criminal or star, no one can deny he's one of the only Cocke County, Tenn., residents to rise to fame. We can conclude from this that moonshine culture is still thriving in the southern United States. Probably because its still illegal to make shine. Popcorn Suttons moonshine was renowned for its high quality, and he was known for his careful and traditional methods of production. He considered moonshining his birth rite. The net worth of Andy Sutton is unknown, but some sources claim that he was worth as much as $13 million when he died in 1993. 33 Years old foodie & cookie lover. he still left her $10 million in his will . is pam sutton still alive. On March 16, 2009, Sutton committed suicide by carbon monoxide poisoning. The life and persona of Marvin Popcorn Sutton, a world-famous moonshiner and North Carolina native, are known to all. The most notable thing about the grave? Sutton, an infamous moonshiner, had been trying to outrun revenuers for more than three decades now. In the 90s he authored a ribald autobiography, Me and My Likker, which he sold on the Internet. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. Moreover, she is also not on social media which makes it further difficult to track down her life at present. Join Facebook to connect with Pamela Sutton and others you may know. Among his many documentaries was one that won an Emmy for its portrayal of his unique personality. "It was beyond surreal," she said Wednesday. There were so many doctors just jotting shit down on a piece of paper making herion legal in a pill form and they already new this. Either way, months later, his wife Pam held a large public memorial service, which Hank Williams Jr. famously attended. The man behind the raid was one of the countrys most infamous ATF agents, James Cavanaugh (a fellow Tennessean, who became known for leading the Waco and Unabomber raids), and he vowed to take Popcorn down. Popcorn Suttons wife, Pam, died in 2009 after a long battle with cancer. [3] In the 1960s or 1970s, Sutton was given the nickname of "Popcorn" after his frustrated attack on a bar's faulty popcorn vending machine with a pool cue. He is buried in the. Marvin " Popcorn " Sutton (October 5, 1946 - March 16, 2009) was an American Appalachian moonshiner and bootlegger. Famed Appalachian moonshiner Marvin "Popcorn" Sutton, whose incorrigible bootlegging ways were out of step with modern times, took his own life rather than go to prison, his widow says. To distinguish himself from the competition, he took pride in quality. He was eating a piece of Blueberry pie. See top. In a final twist, she can now make her papas booze in Tennessee legally if she wantsthe state passed a law shortly after his death authorizing moonshine production. In 2007, 'The History Channel' featured Sutton's next documentary, 'Hillbilly: The Real Story.' His moonshine was made from a recipe passed down through his family and sold in the back of his Ford Model A truck. One Christmas at the Cocke County police department, deputy Armando Fontes got a gift from a mysterious man with a long white beard. Glass and Silversmithing Arts. [3][4][5] He wrote a self-published autobiographical guide to moonshining production, self-produced a home video depicting his moonshining activities, was the subject of several documentaries, including one that received a Regional Emmy Award, and is the subject of the award-winning biography and photobook The Moonshiner Popcorn Sutton.[6]. Pam Sutton is the wife of the late Marvin Popcorn Sutton, who was a legendary moonshiner from the Appalachian Mountains of Tennessee. moonshine was made from a recipe passed down through the generations and was sold in the back of his Ford Model A truck. Each piece is handmade in Pam's studio in Reno, Nevada. We are not endorsed by, authorized by, or affiliated with any mentioned attractions. The company that sold Popcorn Sutton branded products, on the other hand, continues to sell them directly to consumers. It was done so the state could finally cash in (in addition to tax payments, starting a moonshine operation requires a half-million-dollar tax bond). Pamela M. Sutton-Wallace serves as Director of the Company. Son, he asked, do you eat pussy? As Sutton's business continued to flourish, he got involved in several legal issues, such as selling untaxed liquor, possessing controlled substances, and assaulting with a deadly weapon (between 1981 and 1985). Is Popcorn Sutton still alive? In 2017, Sutton's Parrottsville estate caught fire. If he liked you he liked you, and if he didnt, you better stay away, recalled Carver. On March 16, 2009, Sutton, a resident of Northbridge, England, died as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning. The History Channel featured him in a 2007 documentary called "Hillbilly: The Real Story.". Sutton also had a daughter by the name of Sky Sutton. In a cabin Popcorn built in the woods, I swill from an old jar of his cinnamon and cider apple pie moonshine with Ernestine Upchurch, a bawdy older woman in white pants and a polka-dot shirt, who dated Popcorn prior to his marriage and describes herself as the love of his life. by Loyola Martinez | Feb 25, 2023 | Popcorn. Does the TV show make real moonshine? All rights reserved. Though Popcorn left no suicide note, his dramatic exit has transformed him into a martyr for his cause and solidified his legacy as the little guy whod rather die than let the Feds beat him. Sutton's daughter later revealed that Sutton had once told her mother that he would prefer dying than going to jail. USA Distributor of MCM Equipment is pam sutton still alive Pam Sutton had that steadfast determination and through her incredible penmanship, we can still see just how fast and who won and who . Whatever he earned from trading the barrels to Nick would go back into the next batch of products, and he would leave with little to spend on his household. In addition to being a wife and mother, Pam also worked as a waitress and a cook to help make ends meet. [37] In July 2016, it was announced Allisa Henley, long time employee and Master Distiller at George Dickel, would join John Lunn at Popcorn Sutton Distilling. To collect Popcorns original bottles, you can purchase them from eBay. He comes from the old era, said Maggie Valley Police Chief Scott Sutton, describing Popcorn Sutton as the last of his breed. Aint nobody make it better than this, she cackles over a sip. Sutton said he considered moonshine production a legitimate part of his heritage, as he was a Scots-Irish American and descended from a long line of moonshiners.

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