On Tuesday, the Tennessee Board of Parole advocated for a pardon for country music sensation Jelly Roll, a Nashville native known for candidly sharing his journey to overcome his criminal past.
According to the Associated Press, the ultimate decision would be up to Gov. Bill Lee (R), who told reporters Tuesday that every case that seeks clemency goes through the same thorough processes and are equally important.
“The reporting on Jelly Roll, that’s encouraging for his situation, but there are steps yet to happen in that case,” Lee told reporters.
Jelly Roll, 40, whose real name is Jason DeFord, wants to be able to travel internationally to perform, in which he often shares a message of redemption.
After a hearing lasting approximately an hour and 45 minutes, the board unanimously issued its nonbinding recommendation, with several witnesses — including Nashville Sheriff Daron Hall, to show him support.
Of the board’s decision, Jelly Roll said it “was incredible,” adding, “I pray this goes through. But today was special for me, regardless.”
Two of the most serious convictions on his criminal history includes a robbery at 17, and drug charges at 23. For the robbery, he was sentenced to serve a year in prison and additional time on probation.
He was also sentenced to eight years of court-ordered supervision after police found marijuana and crack cocaine in his vehicle in 2008 and has two misdemeanor offenses for driving without a license and being in possession of drug paraphernalia.
The AP further reported that Jelly Roll told the parole board it was during his time in a detention center that he found his love for making music.
“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,” Jelly Roll said.
Since leaving a life of crime behind, Jelly Roll spends time visiting inmate in jails and rehabilitation centers before performances.
Live Nation Entertainment CEO and President Michael Rapino wrote in his favor, along with other civic leaders.
Jelly Roll told the board one of the reasons he needs a pardon is because his criminal record often makes it difficult to perform outside of the U.S.
“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 said. “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 he would use the pardon to do more than touring.
“I’ll still be using this same pardon, God willing, to go do missionary work in my 50s and 60s,” he said, adding that because of his criminal record it “takes a team of lawyers and a mountain of paperwork to secure my entry into those countries.”
