The Cornbread Mafia

A Homegrown Syndicate's Code of Silence and the Biggest Marijuana Bust in American History

By: James Higdon

Narrated by: Paul Boehmer

In the summer of 1987, Johnny Boone set out to grow and harvest one of the greatest outdoor marijuana crops in modern times. In doing so, he set into motion a series of events that defined him and his associatesas the largest homegrown marijuana syndicate in American history, also known as the Cornbread Mafia.

Author James Higdon - whose relationship with Johnny Boone, currently a federal fugitive, made him the first journalist subpoenaed underthe Obama administration - takes listeners back to the 1970s and ‘80s and the clash between federal and local law enforcement and a band of Kentucky farmers with moonshine and pride in their bloodlines. By 1989 the task force assigned to take down men like Johnny Boone had arrested 69 men and 1 woman from busts on 29 farms in 10 states, and seized 200 tons of pot.

Of the 70 individuals arrested, none talked. How it all went down is a tale of Mafia-style storylines emanating from the Bluegrass State, and populated by Vietnam veterans and weed-loving characters caught up in Tarantino-level violence and heart-breaking altruism. Accompanied by a backdrop of rock-and-roll and rhythm-and-blues, this work of dogged investigative journalism and history is told by Higdon in action-packed, colorful, and riveting detail.

©2012 James Higdon the Third (P)2012 Tantor

A Perfect Book For Guys!

What did you love best about The Cornbread Mafia?

I really enjoyed how this book delved into the deep history of the state of KY, and how this culture has evolved over time. It really gets you wondering where Johnny Boone is, and exactly how he has used this culture to escape the law.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Cornbread Mafia?

The most memorable moment for me is the part where the group had stolen GE products for the local Hospital because they thought that any good catholic should not have to pay for things when perfectly good products are just sitting in a warehouse. This made me laugh out loud.

Which character – as performed by Paul Boehmer – was your favorite?

All of these characters play an important role within the "Cornbread Mafia". Many were happy go lucky people who did not seem to think what they were doing was wrong on any level. I'm not sure who I liked the most, but I did enjoy parts of all personalities in each character. The support this group gave each other was remarkable, but there criminal activity and actions were astonishing.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I could not stop listening to this book. I was intrigued by the culture and activity of those portrayed within the story. Every free moment was spent listening to this book. It is one I could see myself reading over and over because it is so interesting.

Any additional comments?

I have talked about this book to anybody who would listen.

Well-researched

Just really, really great. If the drug war interests you, this book will give you insight it might be hard to find elsewhere. Give it a listen.

True story. Jimmy was not the best reader.

I knew several of these people. Everything in the story is factual. It is an interesting story, but I believe that Joe Keith Bickett's books may be better. Subsequently, it was worth the credit.

Great Book!

From Kentucky and yes the people in the mountains and country, Don’t like the law and will never snitch on anyone and for sure not their neighbors and friends!

very impressive story, hard to turn off

Somthing for everybody story, horticulturist, historian, law men, politics, corruption and concpericy. The ending has a bit of a running man theme, showing how Americas most wanted makes things up to hunt people more effectivly. Big take away for me is trying to understand who made this crazy law, lock up nonviolent FARMERS with killers and scumbags? God bless America?

Great read!

I'm not usually into books of this type. Having been in Kentucky for the last 22 years and spending a fair amount of time frequenting Marion, Woodford, Washington, and Fayette counties I've heard stories of the pot grows and the cornbread mafia. This book intertwines with what I've heard from those I know, and couple are mentioned in this book. I can't tell you if he's got all the facts right or not but I can say that more than a few are spot on. It certainly resonates with me, the depressed area, and the struggle to survive, I can't say that I'd do anything different to feed my family!

Hometown connections

I'm from that area and went to school with Jeff, several facts are true, entertaining book

Great story about how things are over there.

Well written and entertaining. Paints a picture of Marion County being more outlaw than Eastern Kentucky Which gets most of the visibility in movies.
Nice that is shows the good and bad sides of Johnny Boone. Would love to read a follow up now that he has been captured.

Excellent

Mr. Higdon is an excellent scholar and historian. This book is an important resource in non violent criminal law.

Great Book

This is a great read. I’m from Casey County so I grew up hearing the stories.