Following a year-long review of his application, Jelly Roll has received a full pardon from Tennessee Governor Bill Lee for this prior crimes.
Transparent about his involvement in criminal activity as a young man, the superstar singer/songwriter was granted a pardon on Thursday (12.18) in relation to his robbery and drug convictions dating back before 2010 in Davidson County.
According to The Associated Press, referencing Jelly Roll’s success in the music industry and advocacy for giving people second chances, the Governor told reporters at a meeting held at his home “His story is remarkable, and it’s a redemptive, powerful story, which is what you look for and what you hope for.”
In April of this year, the Tennessee parole board made a unanimous recommendation for Jelly Roll’s pardon that has granted the 41-year-old musician formal clemency from the state allowing him to travel internationally for his concert tours, instead of applying for special permits.
While addressing the Tennessee Board of Parole earlier this year, the Nashville native opened up about what the decision would mean to him, stating:
“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.” “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…I’ll still be using this same pardon, God willing, to go do missionary work in my 50s and 60s.”
Speaking candidly in the past about his criminal history, the Grammy Award winner was first arrested at the age of 14 and had been jailed more than 40 times for various drug charges until he cleaned up his act and pursued a career in music.
At press time, the musician (born Jason Bradley DeFord) has yet to publicly comment on the pardon.
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Author: Saul Goode
Photo: Lynn Freeny – Public Domain
