Jelly Roll took a walk down memory lane as he paid a visit to his old stomping grounds at Nashville’s Metro-Davidson Country Detention Facility.
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The 39-year-old Nashville-native has always been open with fans about his criminal past and has made it his mission to inspire those who have spent time incarcerated to still follow their dreams.
"This is jail. It sucks. Every one I've ever been to," Jelly told CBS correspondent Kelefa Sanneh as he walked the jail. "There was a time in my life when I truly thought this was it. Coming here, after getting nominated for two GRAMMYs, it hits different... Even when I left here, I didn't have a plan.”
Sitting behind bars, Jelly admits he never would have imagined he’d be capable of the success he’s experiencing today. A GRAMMY nominee, CMA Award winner and artist behind multiple #1 songs on Country radio, Jelly has changed the conversation surrounding incarcerated individuals, especially youth.
His visit to Nashville’s jail isn’t his only recent visit to a prison in order to spread his message. He also took the time to attend juvenile hall in Flint, Michigan to help pass out diplomas for the inmates enrolled in the IGNITE Program which encourages current inmates to earn their GED while behind bars.
“It’s unreal what he’s doing there,” Jelly said of Sheriff Swanson, the program founder who also gave Jelly the High School graduation ceremony he never got. “That’s probably the coolest thing on Earth. I think it’s really cool they’re doing something for me, but I’m more excited to bring the guitar and do something exciting for them,” he shared.
LISTEN NOW: Jelly Roll talks about IGNITE Program at Genesee County Jail in Flint Michigan
That’s exactly what he did as he paid a visit to the jail just days ago, while also being sure to spread his message and encourage each prisoner to dream big and set goals past their days behind bars.
“I remember being in those units and being in that cell and just how little light came through,” he told Audacy’s Grunwald of WYCD. “I’d love to bring that little light of mine in there and let it shine a little bit.”
Check out more videos from Jelly’s visit below to get a taste of the hope he’s spreading.