Jelly Roll To Be Pardoned?
The Tennessee Board of Parole is recommending a pardon for Grammy-nominated Country/Rock star Jelly Roll, a decision that will be up to the state’s Republican Governor Bill Lee.
Jelly Roll, a Nashville native, was involved in drug-related crimes and incarceration. He tells the board how he overcame that part of his life as he’s risen to fame as a successful music artist.
He visited jails, rehab centers and youth centers around the country before performing concerts, an effort that was recognized during the hearing.
The board issued its recommendation unanimously after the hearing, where they heard from several witnesses advocating for the singer.
“I want to be an inspiration for people who are now where I used to be… to let them know that change is truly possible,” Jelly Roll told the board. “One of the reasons I’m asking for your recommendation for this pardon is because I’m looking to take my message of redemption through the power of music and faith through the rest of the world.”
He stated that his criminal record makes it difficult for him to travel abroad to perform.
Jelly Roll spent time behind bars at age 17 on a robbery charge and at age 23 on drug charges.. In 2008, at age 23, he was sentenced to eight years of court-ordered supervision after finding marijuana and crack cocaine in his car.
###
