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Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
They've been going to Bonnaroo for more than 10 years. Why these 'roo veterans keep going back: 'It'll change you'
On June 12-15, tens of thousands of people from all corners of the Earth will once again convene on a 700-acre farm in Coffee County, Tennessee for four days of non-stop music and a grand celebration of art and culture. Since its inception in 2002, the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival has welcomed some of the biggest names in music to the small town of Manchester. In 2025, the festival will feature one of music's most influential young artists, three-time Grammy Award winner Olivia Rodrigo and CMA Award winner, Luke Combs — Bonnaroo's first ever country music headliner. For many festival goers, the annual lineup of artists alone is reason enough to camp out for four days and endure the often-unpredictable Tennessee weather. But for seasoned Bonnaroovians, the appeal behind the festival extends far beyond the music and centers around the connections made at the festival — connections which exceed a vibrant weekend filled with dancing and running from stage to stage. What to pack? What should you wear to Bonnaroo? Three veterans weigh in ahead of the 2025 festival "Bonnaroo is gonna present to you a lot of people that are gonna become friends and loved ones for the rest of your life," said Matt Chapman, a 13-year Bonnaroo veteran from Atlanta, Georgia. "It brings together people who share the same interests and the same positive energy." Chapman met his best friend at the festival in 2014 and four years later the two were able to meet and interview electro-funk duo, Chromeo. A few years later he met his current long-distance partner, Shaina Bradley, an 8-year Bonnaroo veteran from Chicago, Illinois. The two first locked eyes when their "groop" camps were neighbors during the brutal heat wave of 2022. That same year, Steven Stedry — a Manchester local and 17-year veteran — along with a friend, was able to bring joy and a reignited sense of community to other attendees by posing for photos wearing chrome replica Daft Punk helmets after two cancelled festival years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and flooding. "I think it set a vibe going forward like, 'Hey, we survived this, we made it through this, and we're all going to be okay,'" he said. Together, these three festival goers have nearly four decades of Bonnaroo experience, dating back to the early years of the festival — earning them the title of veterans. Here's what's kept them coming back year after year and the lessons they've learned along the way. Stedry remembers the long lines and Wal-Mart parking lot waiting periods of 2007, when all of Manchester would be brought to a halt due to the debilitating traffic caused by the festival. Having hundreds of thousands of people in his hometown was unlike anything he had ever seen before. Stepping into the festival grounds was a whole different beast; blacktop roads, paved paths, and gravel spots were nowhere to be found. "Back then it definitely looked like you were on a farm in a sense, it was so new. But the collection of people is something that has held true from year one to now," said Stedry. "You can look at all these people that have come together and they all coincidentally come to this for the love of music and the pure thrill of entertainment. "I think that's what's made it such a magical place." Growing up as a music lover in the South, Chapman had never experienced anything quite as "insane" as Bonnaroo. His first time on the farm in 2008 was mind-blowing, he said. "The first day was overwhelming but it quickly turned into something really exciting and fun," he added. "That overwhelmed feeling went away thanks to how awesome everyone around me and the crowds were." The 10-year anniversary of Bonnaroo in 2011 was a highly anticipated event with rap icon Eminem set to take the stage. As the crowd eagerly prepared for the show, an intense thunderstorm rolled in sending festival goers scrambling for cover, diving under tents and seeking shelter wherever they could. With unreliable cell service at the time, many were left unaware of the storm's severity, heightening the sense of panic as it seemed like all of Manchester would be drenched throughout Eminem's entire set, said Stedry. The storm hit hardest between 10:20 and 10:45, just moments before Eminem was scheduled to perform at 11. Then almost miraculously, the downpour ceased right on cue. As the skies cleared, waves of people sprinted toward the main stage. In the rush, Stedry's friend lost his flip-flops. Determined to reach the stage together, Stedry scooped him up and carried him through the frenzied surge of fans. When Eminem and his crew finally appeared, the crowd erupted, surging forward in a wave of energy. "You don't see a lot of rap artists live up to their name, and that show truly did," said Stedry. "Just seeing the whole crowd interaction was truly a magical moment." During her first Bonnaroo in 2016, Bradley found herself unexpectedly separated from her group, leaving her to navigate the festival alone. However, fate had other plans. In the crowded, buzzing energy of the farm, Bradley crossed paths with four strangers who, by sheer coincidence, were attending all the same sets. What began as a chance encounter quickly turned into an impromptu friendship, as the group navigated the festival together — helping each other refill CamelBaks, grabbing food and soaking in the experience. Later that evening, Bradley was reunited with her original group. As the Chainsmokers took the stage at 1 a.m., she spotted them just five feet ahead. Despite Bonnaroo being a once-a-year event, the experiences had on the farm and the connections made extend far beyond a single weekend in June, often transcending into life lessons carried for years to come. Chapman said the inclusive space has transformed him into a better, more positive person and has allowed him to find happiness among like-minded individuals. 'Let the farm in, let the festival in," said Chapman. "Let the place and the people there change you, because it'll change you for the better, so long as you focus on the right things.' For Bradley, the annual festival provides an escape from the chaos of the outside world and has instilled in her a deep sense of gratitude. Similarly, the festival has allowed Stedry to develop a deeper appreciation for life and its fleeting nature. "Enjoy it, love it and live in that moment in its full entirety because you never know when that time is up," said Stedry. Diana Leyva covers trending news and service journalism for The Tennessean. Contact her at Dleyva@ or follow her on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, at @_leyvadiana This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Bonnaroo: Why they keep going to the farm, 'it'll change you'
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Country Star Lorrie Morgan ‘Devastated' After Sixth Husband Dies From Cancer
Country music star Lorrie Morgan has shared her heartbreak after the death of her sixth husband of 17 years, Randy White. Morgan put her touring career on hold in April while White battled mouth cancer. He passed away on the morning of June 1, aged 72. The pair shared a blended family with six children, fifteen grandchildren and one great grandchild. In a heartfelt tribute posted to her X account, Morgan wrote, 'Randy has been my partner and my rock for 17 years. Our big, wonderful family and I are devastated at the loss of this truly kind and incredible man. I was blessed by his love. Ran-Ran, I will love and miss you forever.' In December, Morgan told fans her husband was 'making some progress.' The dual CMA Award winner added, 'We are strong and he is determined. I love you RanRan.' 'We are strong and he is determined,' she wrote. 'I love you RanRan.' White's stepson, country singer Jesse Keith Whitley, posted a tribute on his Facebook page. 'The recent years of my life all the way back to when I was 22-23 years old this great man has been here and loved my mom, and also me and my sister as we were his own,' Whitley wrote. 'He showed me love and showed me a relationship with Jesus even though I grew up Catholic, I kinda distanced myself a little from it. He has been the best grandfather for my kids they could ever ask for. Has come and picked me up late night when it wasn't safe to drive and was never mad .. not even once (this happened multiple times lol).' 'I can't tell you the amount of love that has poured in from fans, family and friends. We will miss you always and forever and our hearts are shattered in losing you. But you have fought one helluva fight RanMan! Rest easy.' Morgan commented on the post, 'Love you son.' White was born on May 15, 1953 and was a retired Nashville business owner. He was Morgan's sixth husband. The pair married in September 2010. Morgan's other husbands included country singers Keith Whitley, John Randall and Sammy Kershaw. Morgan's first country single charted in 1979 and she has had three Billboard country No.1 hits: 'Five Minutes', 'What Part Of No' and 'I Didn't Know My Own Strength'. She is also a member of the Grand Ole Opry. A statement from Morgan's publicist stated 'The family appreciates prayers of support and requests privacy during this difficult time.'
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Tennessee Board of Parole recommends that governor pardon country star Jelly Roll
The Tennessee Board of Parole is recommending a pardon for Grammy-nominated country star Jelly Roll on Tuesday, a decision that will be up to the state's Republican Governor Bill Lee, according to the Associated Press. Jelly Roll, a Nashville native, has spoken openly about his history involving drug-related crimes and incarceration, and how he's overcome that part of his life as he's risen to fame as a successful country music artist. The AP reported that the board issued its recommendation unanimously after a hearing, where they heard from several witnesses advocating for the 'Need a Favor' singer including Nashville Sheriff Daron Hall. Jelly Roll, whose name is Jason DeFord, wants to be able to perform internationally and continue to share about his reformation journey. He told the board that his criminal record makes it difficult for him to travel abroad to perform. 'I want to be an inspiration for people who are now where I used to be — to let them know that change is truly possible,' Jelly Roll told the board, according to the AP. 'One of the reasons I'm asking for your recommendation for this pardon is because I'm looking to take my message of redemption through the power of music and faith through the rest of the world.' The 40-year-old musician spent time behind bars at age 17 on a robbery charge and at age 23 on drug charges, according to the AP. In 2008, at age 23, he was sentenced to eight years of court-ordered supervision after finding marijuana and crack cocaine in his car. The singer has taken on an advocacy role to speak about his past and subsequent redemption since he first broke onto the music scene in 2022. Last year, he traveled to Washington DC to testify in a Senate hearing to lobby for stronger legislation against the ongoing fentanyl crisis in the US, saying during his testimony that 'I believed when I sold drugs, genuinely, that selling drugs was a victimless crime.' The CMA Award winner went on to say, 'I am here now standing as a man that wants to be a part of the solution.' Jelly Roll also visits jails, rehab centers and youth centers around the country before performing concerts, an effort that was recognized during the hearing on Tuesday.
CNN
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- CNN
Tennessee Board of Parole recommends that governor pardon country star Jelly Roll
The Tennessee Board of Parole is recommending a pardon for Grammy-nominated country star Jelly Roll on Tuesday, a decision that will be up to the state's Republican Governor Bill Lee, according to the Associated Press. Jelly Roll, a Nashville native, has spoken openly about his history involving drug-related crimes and incarceration, and how he's overcome that part of his life as he's risen to fame as a successful country music artist. The AP reported that the board issued its recommendation unanimously after a hearing, where they heard from several witnesses advocating for the 'Need a Favor' singer including Nashville Sheriff Daron Hall. Jelly Roll, whose name is Jason DeFord, wants to be able to perform internationally and continue to share about his reformation journey. He told the board that his criminal record makes it difficult for him to travel abroad to perform. 'I want to be an inspiration for people who are now where I used to be — to let them know that change is truly possible,' Jelly Roll told the board, according to the AP. 'One of the reasons I'm asking for your recommendation for this pardon is because I'm looking to take my message of redemption through the power of music and faith through the rest of the world.' The 40-year-old musician spent time behind bars at age 17 on a robbery charge and at age 23 on drug charges, according to the AP. In 2008, at age 23, he was sentenced to eight years of court-ordered supervision after finding marijuana and crack cocaine in his car. The singer has taken on an advocacy role to speak about his past and subsequent redemption since he first broke onto the music scene in 2022. Last year, he traveled to Washington DC to testify in a Senate hearing to lobby for stronger legislation against the ongoing fentanyl crisis in the US, saying during his testimony that 'I believed when I sold drugs, genuinely, that selling drugs was a victimless crime.' The CMA Award winner went on to say, 'I am here now standing as a man that wants to be a part of the solution.' Jelly Roll also visits jails, rehab centers and youth centers around the country before performing concerts, an effort that was recognized during the hearing on Tuesday.
New York Post
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Jelly Roll receives pardon recommendation from Tennessee parole board: ‘I pray this goes through'
The Tennessee Board of Parole on Tuesday recommended a pardon for country music star Jelly Roll, a Nashville native who has spoken openly about his criminal record and what it has taken to overcome it. The board's action leaves the final decision on a pardon up to Gov. Bill Lee. The rapper-turned-country singer wants to be able to travel internationally to perform and share his message of redemption, after spending time behind bars as a young person. The board issued its nonbinding recommendation unanimously after a hearing that lasted about an hour and 45 minutes with several witnesses, including Nashville Sheriff Daron Hall, advocating for the 40-year-old musician named Jason DeFord. One board member recused themselves from voting. 3 Country star Jelly Roll with Nashville Sheriff Daron Hall at his Tennessee Board of Parole hearing on April 22, 2025. Davidson County Sheriff's Office via AP Jelly Roll broke into country music with the 2023 album 'Whitsitt Chapel' and crossover songs like 'Need a Favor.' He has won multiple CMT Awards, a CMA Award and earned four Grammy nominations, including for new artist of the year. 'This was incredible,' he said of the board's decision. 'I pray this goes through. But today was special for me, regardless.' His most serious convictions include a robbery at age 17 and drug charges at 23. In the first case, a female acquaintance helped Jelly Roll and two other young men enter a house in 2002. Both of the others were carrying guns, although Jelly Roll was unarmed. They demanded money, and received $350 and a wallet with no money in it. 3 The Tennessee Board of Parole recommended that Jelly Roll be pardoned for his past crimes including drug charges and robbery. Davidson County Sheriff's Office via AP Because the victims knew the female acquaintance, she and Jelly Roll were arrested right away. He was sentenced to serve a year in prison and additional time on probation. Later, in 2008, police on patrol found both marijuana and crack cocaine in his car. He was sentenced to eight years of court-ordered supervision. He also has two misdemeanor offenses for driving without a license and possession of drug paraphernalia. Lee, a Republican, said every case seeking clemency, such as pardons, is equally important and goes through a thorough process. 'The reporting on Jelly Roll, that's encouraging for his situation, but there are steps yet to happen in that case,' he told reporters Tuesday. Jelly Roll told the board that while in a detention center, he fell in love with songwriting. 'It started as a passion project that felt therapeutic and would end up changing my life in ways that I never dreamed imaginable and opened doors that I've never thought possible,' he said. These days, he often visits jails and rehabilitation centers before performing concerts. He has bought restaurants out for the day to feed people who are homeless and played basketball with kids at a youth center the same day that he performed in Winnipeg. He said he generally doesn't seek out news coverage when he makes these visits. As a part of the pardon application, friends and civic leaders wrote to the board about Jelly Roll's transformation and generosity. Hall, who runs Nashville's jail, wrote that Jelly Roll had an awakening in one of the jails he managed. Live Nation Entertainment CEO and President Michael Rapino also wrote in his favor, pointing out all the money he has given from his performances to charities for at-risk youth. 3 Jelly Roll performing at the Pollstar Awards in Beverly Hills on April 16, 2025. Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP One of the reasons Jelly Roll gave for needing a pardon is to be able to travel to Canada to perform, which his criminal record makes difficult. Currently, he would need to apply for a special permit that can include long wait times for a decision, according to a letter from an immigration attorney submitted with his clemency packet. 'I want to be an inspiration for people who are now where I used to be — to let them know that change is truly possible,' Jelly Roll told the board. 'One of the reasons I'm asking for your recommendation for this pardon is because I'm looking to take my message of redemption through the power of music and faith through the rest of the world.' He said he would use the pardon for much more than going on tour, though. 'I'll still be using this same pardon, God willing, to go do missionary work in my 50s and 60s,' he said. Due to his criminal record, he told the board that every time he travels it 'takes a team of lawyers and a mountain of paperwork to secure my entry into those countries.' He said he recently was able to make his first tour in Canada and took his first trip to the United Kingdom, where he spoke about a rehabilitation program. The parole board began considering Jelly Roll's pardon application in October 2024, which marks at least five years since his sentence expired. Lee has issued more than 90 pardons since taking office in 2019, all of them since 2021.
