Jelly Roll Brings Musical Performance, Message of Hope to Residents at Trousdale Turner Correctional Center in Tennessee

In March, nationally renowned singer-songwriter and Grammy-award winner, Jelly Roll, was warmly welcomed by staff and residents at CoreCivic's Trousdale Turner Correctional Center in Hartsville, Tennessee. Jelly Roll, whose birth name is Jason DeFord, arrived with positive energy to conduct a lively and inspiring event at Trousdale Turner, performing various songs.

Of course, Jelly Roll brought more than a musical performance to Trousdale Turner: He brought his story and credibility.

Jelly Roll is no stranger to the prison setting. He served several years in prison for various offenses in his early life. During his time incarcerated, Jelly Roll enrolled in the Tennessee-based Men of Valor Ministry, a faith-based organization dedicated to supporting men through discipleship both inside and outside prison.

This event, which was held in coordination with Men of Valor, showcased how one's story doesn't have to end with a prison sentence. For Jelly Roll, it was an opportunity to change his behavior and start a new life outside of incarceration-and he has done just that. Today, he uses his lived experience, voice, talent, and national platform to speak life into his music followers, listeners, and incarcerated individuals-those currently writing their own stories of change and redemption.