Going into the 57th Annual CMA Awards, Jelly Roll has a lot to celebrate as the second-most nominated artist. As he looks forward to a night celebrating an incredible year for his music, he’s also received news of another big-time honor.
LISTEN NOW: Jelly Roll on lookin’ ‘slicker than an oil can’ at the CMAs and getting a High School graduation
After earning his high school diploma behind bars, Jelly never received a graduation ceremony, but that’s about to change. Sheriff Swanson of Genesee County in Flint Michigan is throwing Jelly the graduation party he never had.
“It’s unreal what he’s doing there,” Jelly said of Sheriff Swanson’s IGNITE Program which encourages current inmates to earn their GED while behind bars. “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. “I remember being in those units and being in that cell and just how little light came through. I’d love to bring that little light of mine in there and let it shine a little bit.”
As Jelly starts a new countdown for his graduation ceremony, another one is ending as he's ready to attend the 57th Annual CMA Awards with five nominations. “Imma be slicker than an oil can,” he said of his outfit for the big night. “I’ve never dressed like I’m dressin’. There’s a theme for sure.”
Hear more about what we can expect from Jelly at tonight’s awards, what he thinks about Post Malone’s facial tattoos and how he forced WYCD’s Grunwald into getting a Jelly Roll tattoo by pressing play on the interview above.