I’m sure we would all like to wish Billy congratulations as he reaches the incredible landmark of 45 years sober - September 2024.
Suttys very close friend, Jimmy Giles, son of the legendary player/manager Johnny Giles of Leeds United and Manchester United, and the Republic of Ireland has kindly supported this unique website for 2024, it truly is a wonderful gift to be able to share such an amazing story as we move towards sharing Suttys story to more corners of the world.
‘SUTTY’
The most honored European man in Miami history…
Billy Sutton is a recovering alcoholic, former play-up merchant, playboy rebel and a streetwise kid from Birmingham. The Grandson of Austin Kelly, notorious Peaky Blinder!
Son of the Queen of Flowers, Birmingham Bull-Ring legend Mary Sutton, he was a Jack the lad, and street grafter who found himself on a plane from England to Miami in May 1986 on a crusade against crack cocaine. He knew nobody in Florida and he’d only been to the United States once before on holiday. His marriage had recently broken up, and he’d made a mess and a half of his own life…
March 2023 - Billy hosts a charity event for torbay guide dogs for the blind.
Billy Sutton is highly regarded in Miami…
Billy Sutton is highly regarded in Miami, where he was awarded Honorary Colonel by the Miami Police Department for his assistance in fighting the Cuban and Columbian Drug Cartels during the Scarface era.
He was also awarded the Freedom of the City and additionally the honor of having a day named after him The Billy Sutton Day'.
Although, the pinnacle was when presented with the gold award for community work by President Ronald Reagan.
During his ten years in Miami, Billy resided at the world-famous Fontainebleau Hotel, where he met numerous A-list celebrities, which included Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davies Jr, Diana Ross, The Bee Gees, and many more.
Billy's sole mission was to help educate the children”
However, meeting countless A-list celebrities is not what Billy set out to achieve. Therefore, he spent his days traveling through the most infamous areas of America, being African Park in Liberty City and Overtown, areas considered no-go zones for all officers of that era.
Billy's sole mission was to help educate the children from these neighborhoods and to briefly mask the horrendous lifestyles thrust upon them, a lifestyle that is required just to survive within these areas.
Billy cared not for his life, but for the betterment of these children, and gave them a choice, a choice on how they live their lives. He provided these children with countless opportunities, allowing them to succeed in life and make a name for themselves, funded by no one but himself.
Billy's most regrettable moment with these children was having to leave them on a daily basis every night and return to the Fontainebleau Hotel, where he worried about their health and well-being.
a playboy in 1960/70's”
Previously to this, he was a playboy in the 1960/'70s, meeting and befriending many rich and famous people. This included a steamy fling with Mandy Rice-Davis who was a central figure in the Profumo affair in 1963. This was made into a BBC drama in 2019.
Regrettably, Billy's lifestyle and alcohol abuse resulted in a near-fatal incident. Close friend, and legendary BBC presenter Alan Towers, after three days of frantic searching, found Billy in his own flower warehouse, close to death, covered in his own faces, urine, Mice, and shattered bottles of vodka.
direct his attention to bettering the lives of others…
Following a battle to regain his health, Billy realized he had to re-evaluate his life, and after much, soul searching, he decided to make drastic changes.
After which, he dedicated not only his life, but the majority of his wealth to direct his attention to bettering the lives of others within the communities of Birmingham, UK, and Miami for which he was honored numerous times.
Billy now strives to raise awareness of the dangers of alcohol.
Billy has inspired a generation
Billy has inspired a generation of children and teenagers out of poverty through dedication, unwavering support, understanding, and hard work in Birmingham and Miami.
Billy currently lives in Brixham surrounded by friends with his best friend Miami the dog always by his side.
Hon. COLENEL
In 1989 Billy Sutton was made an honorary colonel in the Miami Police in recognition of his work. Here he is presented with his certificate by Chief Dickson's successor, Chief Perry Anderson junior
Chief Perry Anderson honouring Billy accompanied by the “LEGEND PLAYS ON” music by Billy Mac
Archive PHOTO ALBUM
Memories, Awards and More…
ARCHIVE VIDEO
From Birmingham to the streets of Miami…
THE FILM
A biopic tale of the extraordinary life of Billy "Sutty" Sutton
THE MUSIC
My dearest friends Billy Mac, James Crossdale & Eddie McGuire have written and produced an absolute masterpiece, which portrays my life perfectly in six glorious minutes.
THE BOOK…
Fleet Street legend Ted Hynds takes on Billy’s Story…
THE PRESS
Paper, Radio and Television
THE PEOPLE
Acknowledgements from friends and colleagues.
THE BLOG
Latest info and News from Billy
TRIBUTES for billy…
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“Billy is an excellent spokesman and ambassador for his country.”
— Perry Anderson Junior
Chief of Miami Police (ret.)
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To my dearest friend Billy ‘Sutty’ Sutton. You are the greatest orator I have ever heard.”
— Clarence Dickson
Chief of Miami Police (ret.)
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“Billy changed the lives of so many people in Miami. I have nothing but admiration and respect for Billy Sutton as he has dedicated his life to helping others with no expectations or personal gains. God Bless you always Billy Sutton.”
— Donald H. Warshaw
Chief of Miami Police (ret.)
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“Billy, or"Sutty" as you call him has been and is a great friend and an inspiration of optimism through difficult and hard times. I am lucky to know him for all these years.”
— Leon M. Firtel
Top Miami Judge (ret.)
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“To my blood brother Sutty. The finest speaker of real life and emotions I have ever listened to without a script.”
— Gary Stretch
Actor, Director & Former Boxing Champion
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“Sutty, you’ve been an unbelievable friend over the years, what a character you are”
— Bryan Robson
Former England and Manchester United Captain
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“I first got to know Billy when l became manager of West Bromwich Albion. It seemed everyone in Birmingham knew him as a local character. Later he won everybody’s admiration when he started the scheme to bring disadvantaged boys from Miami over to England for boxing matches .l know from personal experience what a great thrill for those young kids to have had a great opportunity. So Full Marks Billy Sutton!!!”
— Ron Atkinson
Former Manchester United Manager
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“To my dearest friend Sutty, if you stick around long enough you get hip again!”
— Mica Paris
Singer, Presenter, Actress, and Great Friend
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“Sutty was always full of interesting stories and is a great orator.”
— John Fitzpatrick
Former Motor Racing Champion
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From Ocean to Continent; No kinder man than he.
— Rick Sanchez
Journalist Fox News Miami
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“Action-packed story, at times heartbreaking with non-stop humour!”
— Shaun Attwood
Author, YouTuber & Activist
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I treasure our friendship and the great memories from those now distant days. I am so glad we are still in touch.
— Nick Owen
Television Presenter
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“Sutty was a stand out guest and without doubt one of the highlights of my career.”
— David Evitts
Riviera FM Presenter
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“Sutty spoke brilliantly and the reaction I got from colleagues and listeners was extremely positive.”
— Ben Ellis
Switch Radio Presenter
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“He's an absolute example to those that wish to turn their lives around that it is possible with determination, a goal and discipline- you can create the positive outcomes you want for yourselves...no matter what!
— Alister Albert
Actor playing ‘The Cuban’ In The Legend Plays On.
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“I played percussion on the song for Billy Sutton. I’ve known Sutty for a few years and was delighted to do this for him, and now his coming birthday of 80 is quite remarkable taking Into account all he has done and achieved.”
— Eddie Mcguire
Musician
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What can I say about Sutty, he is a good friend I have known for many years, and some of those years he was crazy !
But what a brilliant human being god bless!!
— Steve Shaw
Legend of Non-League Football
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I would just like to say it's been a pleasure knowing Billy for well over 40 years. What this man did for youth football in Birmingham and for all the work he did in Miami is truly remarkable for what he achieved.
It's been an honour knowing him and I would like to wish him a very happy 80th birthday because no one deserves it more than him.
— John Capaldi
Former Aston Villa player
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“I have known Billy since 1987 and class him as a true friend. I have nothing but admiration and respect for what Billy carried out in Miami in the 1980’s whilst simultaneously creating the little league in Birmingham. I have even more admiration for Billy in his daily battle as a recovering alcoholic.
Happy 80th Birthday Billy.”
— Jimmy Giles
Friend
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Billy Sutton is 80 which in itself is a miracle. His many long time friends ,including me, are delighted with that news as we all move up the bench.
Billy’s flowers were always excellent but did not bloom as much as his magnificent charity work. He is a top man and a great Brummie! Here is to many more years of the enthusiastic( if sometimes over the top) Billy Sutton!
We all love you mate, Happy birthday,
— Gary Newbon MBE
Television Presenter
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“Billy Sutton is rightly described as a Birmingham legend and is someone that I can call a true friend. Given the issues that Billy has experienced in his life, it’s a massive achievement to reach this landmark birthday.
Happy 80th Birthday, Billy. Have a great day! “
— Gary Shaw
Aston Villa legend
Gary Stretch, Bryan Robson and Joe Rimondi were unable to attend, but sent videos greeting Sutty and his guests at the premiere of The Legend Plays On at the Tally Ho in Birmingham.
