Country singer Jelly Roll recently made a unique stop on his “Beautifully Broken” tour at the Oregon State Penitentiary, trading the usual sold-out arenas for a performance within the prison walls. The acclaimed artist documented the experience on his Instagram account, sharing videos and photos of himself singing Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues” and interacting with inmates by signing autographs.
Jelly Roll expressed on social media that he believes in accountability for crimes but also advocates for showing love and compassion to all individuals, regardless of their past mistakes. Having spent time behind bars in his youth, the singer-songwriter revealed that he penned his first song while incarcerated, emphasizing the transformative power of music in his life.
During the prison performance, Jelly Roll connected with the audience through his music, touching on themes of addiction and personal struggles from his own life. In a heartfelt moment captured on video, a man shared how Jelly Roll’s song “Save Me” prompted him to take steps towards sobriety, illustrating the significant impact of the artist’s work on those facing hardships.
The artist, whose real name is Jason DeFord, initially gained recognition as a rapper before transitioning to the country music genre and earning accolades such as the New Artist of the Year at the 2023 Country Music Association Awards. Reflecting on his journey, Jelly Roll expressed gratitude for being able to bring a message of hope and light to individuals in challenging circumstances, aiming to inspire positive change through his music.
