Jelly Roll has received a pardon for his criminal record, according to the Associated Press, with Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signing off on the decision Thursday.
“His story is remarkable, Lee told reporters, “and it’s a redemptive, powerful story, which is what you look for and what you hope for.”
On April 23, the Tennessee Board of Parole held a hearing in Nashville to discuss whether or not the artist should be forgiven for decades-old drugs and robbery charges. After nearly two hours of discussion, the board voted unanimously in favor of a pardon.
Lee had initially expressed tentative enthusiasm for the decision. “The reporting on Jelly Roll, that’s encouraging for his situation, but there are steps yet to happen in that case,” he commented, according to The Associated Press.
Jelly Roll said all he could do was hope. “This [news] was incredible,” he commented. “I pray this goes through. But today was special for me, regardless.”
The artist, whose real name is Jason DeFord, was hoping for a pardon not just for a sense of personal gratification but to boost the whole Jelly Roll business. The criminal record has been preventing the artist from international touring other than Canada. At the hearing, DeFord told the Board that touring requires “a team of lawyers and a mountain of paperwork to secure my entry into those countries.”
The artist had begun petitioning the Board of Parole last October, the fifth anniversary of when his last sentence expired.
“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,” the singer told the board at the hearing. “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.”
DeFord has been active in speaking with prisoners and juvenile offenders, encouraging them to find productive outlets for their feelings like therapy and music. Earlier this year, he spoke at a Helping Addicts Recover Progressively program.
