Alan Steppe
Most people who grew up in and around Cocke County, Tennessee are familiar with the legend of Popcorn Sutton.
Many people see him as a folk hero. People see him as a criminal. However, his name is closely associated with one of the county’s most notable achievements: the production of authentic mountain moonshine.
Popcorn Sutton, a renowned moonshiner, hailed from the charming town of Maggie Valley, North Carolina.
Actually, he had ancestors who were involved in bootlegging for many generations. He believed that moonshining was his birthright.
Sutton developed the skill of making moonshine when he was young. He dedicated himself to perfecting his craft, just as his father and grandfather had done in the past.
Sutton built his career around engaging in this illegal trade, but he didn’t achieve widespread fame until he reached the age of 60.
Sutton made appearances in a few documentaries, one of which is called “This is the Last Dam Run of Likker I’ll Ever Make” (which you can find below).
He was also notorious for being convicted of crimes involving moonshining and illegally possessing firearms.
After he died, his popularity has continued to grow. There’s now a whiskey company named after him, and he’s been mentioned multiple times on the popular show “Moonshiners” on Discovery Channel.
Filmmaker Neal Hutcheson finds Sutton to be a fascinating character.
Hutcheson’s biography, titled “The Moonshiner Popcorn Sutton,” offers readers a fascinating look into the life of Popcorn Sutton. The book captures his unique sense of humor, witty remarks, and the charming way he embraced his “hillbilly” lifestyle.
The book also helps us gain a deeper understanding of how the people in the region managed to survive.
Do you truly have a good understanding of the legend of Popcorn Sutton? I have six intriguing facts about his life that could potentially surprise you.
Popcorn Sutton children
Marvin “Popcorn” Sutton, the late moonshiner and Appalachian folk hero, had three children. His children’s names are Sky Sutton, Rob Sutton, and Erin Sutton. They have continued to honor their father’s legacy and carry on his traditions in different ways.
