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Today, Jelly Roll is among the best-selling artists on the planet.
However there was a time when the Tennessee native — whose actual title is Jason DeFord — was battling substance abuse points that led to frequent run-ins with the legislation.
DeFord was first despatched to a juvenile detention middle when he was simply 14 years outdated.
Within the years that adopted, he was ceaselessly out and in of jail following arrests for drug possession, drug dealing, shoplifting, and aggravated theft.
Jelly Roll’s probability for a clear slate
Now, the Tennessee Board of Parole has advisable that DeFord obtain a full pardon for his previous offenses.
The matter is now within the fingers of Tennessee governor Invoice Lee who should approve the advice.
“This was unimaginable,” Jelly Roll mentioned after the board held their vote (by way of USA Today). “I pray this goes via. However in the present day was particular for me, regardless.”
In talking to the board, DeFord mirrored on how music modified the trajectory of his life and led to success past his wildest desires.
“It began as a ardour venture that felt therapeutic and would find yourself altering my life in ways in which I by no means dreamed possible and opened doorways that I’ve by no means thought doable,” he mentioned, recalling how he started writing songs in jail.
Jelly Roll defined that along with the symbolic significance, a full pardon would allow him to journey internationally with out worry of restrictions.
“I’ll nonetheless be utilizing this similar pardon, God prepared, to go do missionary work in my 50s and 60s,” he mentioned.
Jelly Roll leads by instance
DeFord went on to elucidate that he hopes to encourage others who’ve been incarcerated or struggled with habit.
“I wish to be an inspiration for people who find themselves now the place I was – to allow them to know that change is really doable,” he advised the board.
“One of many causes I’m asking on your advice for this pardon is as a result of I’m trying to take my message of redemption via the ability of music and religion via the remainder of the world.”
Today, Jelly Roll has turned his life round in additional methods than one.
He lately revealed that he’s lost over 200 pounds and plans to proceed shedding weight.
And this weekend, Jelly Roll will headline at Stagecoach for the primary time.
For sure, he’s come a good distance because the days when he was out and in of jail.
Hopefully, Governor Lee will grant Jelly Roll the pardon he so richly deserves.
