Country singer Jelly Roll has been making waves with his sold-out “Beautifully Broken” tour across the United States. However, his latest performance wasn’t in a sprawling arena; it was at the Oregon State Penitentiary earlier this week.
The award-winning artist shared a poignant video and photos on Instagram showcasing his visit to the Salem prison, where he captivated the audience with a cover of Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues” and took time to sign autographs for the incarcerated individuals. According to Jelly Roll, this was the first live music event in the prison yard in two decades.
“I am a firm believer that if we commit crimes we should do our time and be held accountable for our actions, but I also believe that every human deserves love no matter how bad of a decision they have made,” the 39-year-old artist expressed on Instagram.
Jelly Roll has a personal connection to his audience; he spent time behind bars in his youth and wrote his first song while incarcerated. “It never feels better than to come back behind a wall and sing a song for y’all,” he told the crowd, many of whom likely find his journey particularly resonant.
His lyrics often delve into his troubled past and issues of addiction, creating a strong connection with listeners who have faced similar struggles. In the video from the prison, one man shared how Jelly Roll’s music changed his life. “I heard ‘Save Me’ on the radio, and I got clean that day,” the man said, referring to a track from Jelly Roll’s most recent album.
Born Jason DeFord, Jelly Roll started his musical journey as a rapper before successfully transitioning into the country genre. His hard work and dedication were recognized in 2023 when he won New Artist of the Year at the Country Music Association Awards.
Reflecting on his experience, Jelly Roll said, “I remember being in a dark place and no one ever coming through and showing us any hope of changing the path of our lives. It felt so good bringing a little light to such a dark place.”
