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Tennessee Board Recommends Pardon for Jelly Roll, Country Music Star
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Board of Parole has advised a pardon for Jason “Jelly Roll” DeFord, a country music artist and Nashville native recognized for his candid discussions about his past legal troubles and his journey to overcome them. The recommendation now rests with Gov. Bill Lee, who will make the final determination regarding the potential pardon for the celebrated country music star.
A Path to International Performances
The musician, who transitioned from rap to country music, seeks the pardon to facilitate international travel for performances and to share his message of recovery after serving time in his youth.
The board’s non-binding recommendation was issued unanimously following a hearing that lasted approximately one hour and 45 minutes. Several witnesses, including Nashville Sheriff Daron Hall, spoke in favor of the 40-year-old musician. One board member abstained from voting.
Jelly Roll achieved prominence in country music with his 2023 album “Whitsitt Chapel” and popular tracks such as “Need a Favor.” He has received numerous accolades, including CMT Awards, a CMA Award, and four Grammy nominations, one for new artist of the year.
“This was incredible,” Jelly Roll said regarding the board’s decision. “I hope this goes through. But today was special for me, regardless.”
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Details of Past Offenses
Jelly Roll’s past includes a robbery conviction at age 17 and drug-related charges at 23. In 2002, he and two other individuals, assisted by a female acquaintance, entered a residence. While the others were armed, Jelly Roll was not. They demanded money and obtained $350 and a wallet containing no cash. He was quickly apprehended and sentenced to a year in prison, plus probation.
In 2008, authorities discovered marijuana and crack cocaine in his vehicle, resulting in an eight-year court-ordered supervision sentence.
Additionally, he has two misdemeanor convictions for driving without a license and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Governor Lee’s Perspective
Gov. Lee, a Republican, emphasized that each clemency request, including pardons, undergoes a meticulous review process.
“The reporting on Jelly Roll, that’s encouraging for his situation, but there are steps yet to happen in that case,” he commented.
Impact of Incarceration on Jelly Roll’s Career
Jelly Roll informed the board that his passion for songwriting ignited while he was in a detention center. “It started as a passion project that felt therapeutic and would end up changing my life in ways that I never dreamed imaginable and opened doors that I’ve never thought possible.”
Currently, Jelly Roll frequently visits correctional facilities and rehabilitation centers before his concerts. He has also been known to provide meals for the homeless and engage with youth at community centers, typically without seeking media attention.
Support for the Pardon
As part of his pardon application, friends and community leaders conveyed Jelly Roll’s transformation and philanthropic endeavors to the board. Sheriff Hall noted Jelly Roll’s personal transformation during a stay in one of the jails. Live Nation Entertainment CEO Michael Rapino highlighted the significant charitable contributions Jelly Roll has made to at-risk youth programs from his performance earnings.
Reasons for Seeking a Pardon
One primary reason Jelly Roll cited for needing a pardon is to facilitate travel to Canada for performances, which his criminal record complicates. Obtaining the necessary permits can be time-consuming, as noted in a letter from an immigration attorney included with his clemency application.
A Message of Redemption
“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 stated. “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 added that the pardon’s significance extends beyond touring opportunities.
“I’ll still be using this same pardon, God willing, to go do missionary work in my 50s and 60s,” he explained.
Travel Challenges
Jelly Roll clarified that due to his past convictions, each international trip necessitates “a team of lawyers and a mountain of paperwork to secure my entry into those countries.” He recently completed his first tour in Canada and a trip to the United Kingdom, where he discussed rehabilitation programs.
The parole board began its review of Jelly Roll’s pardon application in October 2024, at least five years after the completion of his sentence.
Since assuming office in 2019, Gov. Lee has granted over 90 pardons, all since 2021.