Jelly Roll's Journey: From Prison to Pardon

Jelly Roll, the country star, has been granted a pardon by Tennessee's governor. This move acknowledges his efforts to turn his life around after a troubled past. The rapper-turned-singer, whose real name is Jason Deford, has been open about his journey from drugs and prison to redemption. The governor, Bill Lee, issued the pardon after receiving support from friends and civic leaders. Jelly Roll's convictions include robbery and drug felonies. He has said that a pardon would make it easier for him to travel internationally for concerts and to do missionary work. Jelly Roll was one of 33 people to receive pardons from Lee. The state parole board recommended his pardon in April. Lee said that Jelly Roll's application underwent a thorough review, just like the others.Jelly Roll's music often deals with overcoming adversity. He has won multiple awards and has been nominated for Grammys. He has also testified before Congress about the dangers of fentanyl. He has said that he was once part of the problem but now wants to be part of the solution. Jelly Roll's most serious convictions include a robbery at 17 and drug charges at 23. He has said that he fell in love with songwriting while in custody. He has also said that music was a therapeutic passion project that changed his life. Friends and civic leaders cited his transformation in backing a pardon. Davidson County Sheriff Daron Hall wrote that Jelly Roll had an awakening in one of the jails he managed. Live Nation Entertainment CEO and President Michael Rapino cited Jelly Roll's donations from his performances to charities for at-risk youth.