Ruth and I met Sutton James Papanikolas in Las Vegas nearly twenty years ago. We knew he’d been dating our daughter, Elizabeth, for some time, and she was at an age where the next guy could be the one. She mentioned he played in a band, though I can’t remember if it was The Wagon or The Shaggin Wagon. It’s one of those chicken-or-the-egg situations. I’m not sure which came first, but he was the lead singer and guitarist in both.
I remember looking up the band online and finding their website, which clearly mentioned they were getting ready for a summer trip to Europe. Several locations seemed to be booked, and the tour was set to last weeks, maybe even months. While walking down the Vegas Strip with Ruth, Elizabeth, and Sutton, I brought up the European musical tour. I can’t recall exactly what I asked, but as soon as I mentioned it, Elizabeth responded, “What trip?”
He responded with, “We’re not going to Europe!”
I replied, “Well, your website says you are.”
Then he asked, “You’re checking our website?”
“Yes, you’re dating my daughter and I’m checking things out. I’m just doing my due diligence.”
Sutton and his crew didn’t go to Europe, but they did correct their website. He continued to sing with groups and changed the names as time went on. Some guys joined and some guys dropped. Marriage and families altered the membership.
Sutton went solo a few years back, originally performing under his real name, Sutton James Papanikolas. Ruth suggested he switch to Sutton James, using his first and middle names. Some gigs had audiences expecting a short, dark-haired Greek man, but Sutton was anything but, He’s tall, light-haired, and well-built. The new name just fit him better. He looked far more like a Sutton James than a Sutton Papanikolas.
Sutton is a self-taught musician with a passion for performing. A couple of years ago, his song “The Ghost’s Perfume” was nominated for Song of the Year in San Diego. He didn’t win, but it’s still an amazing track.
This year, he was nominated as Singer-Songwriter of the Year in the San Diego music scene. He won. I can’t take all the credit for his success, but I like to think that singing in Vegas with Brady, David, Michael, and me last June might have given him the edge. At least, that’s the story I’m sticking with.
When you add the fact that he married my daughter and that Ruth came up with his stage name, it’s clear all the Tebo pieces fell into place. It took longer than we’d hoped, but sometimes, no matter how good you are, you just have to wait for the rest of the world to catch up.
They finally did. Congratulations