It’s been a big week for Jelly Roll, who not only cut the ribbon on the Jelly Roll Music Studio at Genesee County Jail in Flint, Michigan but was also sworn in as a Deputy with the Community Cares Task Force.
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“This is the real deal,” Sheriff Swanson told Jelly after swearing him in with the Oath of Office. “You walk into any facility now, you can tell them you’re a Deputy Sheriff from Genesee County.”
“From convict to deputy,” Jelly Roll said before being presented his badge and official Sheriff ID. The 39-year-old has worked closely with Sheriff Swanson for years to support his I.G.N.I.T.E. Program, which encourages current inmates to earn their GED while behind bars in order to gain skills that will help them find employment upon their release and reduce their likelihood of reoffending.
In addition to providing the opportunity for education, inmates will now have the opportunity to express themselves creatively in the recently opened Jelly Roll Music Studio. Brought to life by Jelly himself, the Nashville native is proud to offer inmates the opportunity to exercise their own musicianship while they serve their time as music has been a major part of his own journey and turning his life around.
"I love the fact that Jelly Roll remembers where he came from,” said Audacy’s Grunwald of 99.5 WYCD’s Josh, Rachael and Grunwald in the Morning who have also worked alongside Sheriff Swanson and Jelly Roll in supporting the I.G.N.I.T.E. Program. “He cares about everyone. His motivational speeches to the inmates are incredible. And now that he is officially deputized, he will not only help people here in Michigan, but he'll also help people around the country."
Added Audacy’s Josh Holleman "Seeing Jelly Roll sing for the inmates and ultimately being deputized and cutting the ribbon for the highly anticipated grand opening of the Jelly Roll Jailhouse Music Studio was something truly special. It just speaks to the great work that Sheriff Swanson is spearheading with the I.G.N.I.T.E Program."
Concluded Sheriff Swanson, “Good people find good people! Which is why Jelly Roll, Audacy (99.5 WYCD) and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office is a trifecta of influence, pouring into the lives of millions!”