Country Star Jelly Roll Asks for Clemency for His Criminal History | Entertainment & Arts News
Jelly Roll, the renowned US country music artist, is pursuing a pardon to erase his criminal record following a period of incarceration during his teenage years.
In his statement to the Tennessee Board of Parole, he shared that his time in detention ignited his passion for songwriting, which he believes transformed his life in ways he “never thought possible”.
At 40 years old, the rapper-turned-country singer, whose real name is Jason DeFord, is aiming to travel internationally for performances, but his criminal history complicates this ambition.
“I aspire to be a beacon of hope for those who find themselves in situations like I once did, to show them that change is genuinely achievable,” Jelly Roll expressed to the board, which has recommended granting him a pardon. The ultimate decision lies with the state’s Republican Governor Bill Lee.
The artist made his mark in the country music scene with his 2023 album “Whitsitt Chapel” and popular tracks such as “Need a Favor”. He has received accolades at both the CMT Music Awards and Country Music Association (CMA) Awards, along with four Grammy nominations, including one for new artist of the year.
Jelly Roll performing in Vancouver during the closing ceremony of the Invictus Games in February. Pic: Reuters
As part of his pardon petition, friends and local community leaders have written letters to the board highlighting Jelly Roll’s remarkable transformation and charitable efforts.
Nashville Sheriff Daron Hall recounted how the artist experienced a life-changing revelation while incarcerated at one of the facilities he oversees, while Live Nation Entertainment CEO Michael Rapino emphasized his philanthropic initiatives.
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Jelly Roll has been candid about his past criminal activities and the efforts he has made to move beyond them. He frequently visits correctional facilities before his concerts and volunteers to provide meals for those experiencing homelessness.
His criminal record, which includes a robbery at 17 and drug-related offenses at 23, means he faces significant legal hurdles and extensive paperwork to perform internationally, often requiring special permits.
Last year, he provided testimony to a Senate committee regarding his struggles with drug addiction, advocating for more stringent laws to combat the fentanyl epidemic, stating he has “attended more funerals than I’d like to count”.
Recently, he embarked on his inaugural international tour across Canada and the UK, where he discussed a rehabilitation program.
Governor Lee has asserted that every clemency request, including pardons, is given equal importance and undergoes a comprehensive review process.
“The coverage surrounding Jelly Roll is promising for his case, but there are still procedures to be completed,” he conveyed to the media.
