Ex-prisoner, now rock star brings hope, rare concert to State prison

By Taxpayers Association of Oregon
OregonWatchdog.com

The Oregon State Penitentiary welcomed award winning singer-songwriter and country rapper Jelly Roll for a live performance, its first in over 20 years at the prison.

Jelly Roll, AKA Jason DeFord, brought his honest and raw music to Oregon inmates with the goal of bringing them hope. He knows first-hand how it feels to serve time. Convicted at age 18 for a robbery and drug possession with the intent to sell, he served 8 years in prison and 7 years probation. He said he wrote his first song “behind the walls” in prison and credits parenthood and his music for giving him a purpose and direction in life.

Jelly was the Country Music Association’s Best New Artist of 2023 and was also nominated for a 2024 Grammy for Best New Artist.

During the performance he was joined by local North Plains, Oregon singer – Jacquie Roar – a contestant, and finalist on the 2024 season of The Voice. You can see her first Voice performance here.

In an Instagram post he shared what motivated him to perform at the prison:

“It felt so good bringing a little light to such a dark place. I am a firm believer that if we commit crimes we should do our time and be held accountable for our actions, but I also believe that every human deserves love no matter how bad of a decision they have made. It felt good to go love on these guys. I remember being in a dark place and no one ever coming through and showing us any hope of changing the path of our lives, if one inmate was inspired to do better by my presence yesterday it was worth my weight in gold to stop by and sing. Thank you to the staff and especially the captains. It was chicken soup for the soul. I’m sure I speak for Cam and myself when I say we came into that Penitentiary hoping to bless people and left feeling blessed . Thank yall”

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We hope this musician and his message can be helpful in the reform of other prisoners.

Oregon Catalyst