Latest news with #HelpingAddictsRecoverProgressively
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Jelly Roll Receives Pardon Recommendation From Tennessee Parole Board
The Tennessee Board of Parole has recommended a pardon for Jelly Roll — who has spoken openly about his criminal record and time served incarcerated — following a nearly two-hour hearing Tuesday in Nashville. The board voted unanimously to pardon the singer born Jason DeFord, with their recommendation sent to Governor Bill Lee, who must sign off on the pardon. 'The reporting on Jelly Roll, that's encouraging for his situation, but there are steps yet to happen in that case,' Lee said (via The Associated Press). More from Rolling Stone Watch Ed Sheeran, Jelly Roll Join Post Malone at Coachella 2025 ACM Awards: Ella Langley Is the Top Nominee Post Malone to Host Free Travelin' Tailgate Party Ahead of Stadium Shows 'This was incredible,' Jelly Roll said of the board's decision. 'I pray this goes through. But today was special for me, regardless.' Jelly Roll, now 40 years old, spent time behind bars in his early 20s on drug and robbery charges. The singer has often talked about how his incarceration was a life-changing experience and inspired him to pursue music. Jelly Roll also frequently speaks to prisoners and juveniles, 'teaching people how to recover the right way, through therapy and through music, through redemption and giving them real second chances,' as he told a Helping Addicts Recover Progressively program earlier this year. '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 on Tuesday. '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.' Another reason Jelly Roll seeks a pardon: With his criminal record, touring internationally — while not impossible, as he recently embarked on his first tour of Canada — has been logistically difficult, telling the board that he requires 'a team of lawyers and a mountain of paperwork to secure my entry into those countries.' Jelly Roll's parole process began in October 2024, which marked five years since his last sentence expired. Best of Rolling Stone The 50 Greatest Eminem Songs All 274 of Taylor Swift's Songs, Ranked The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Jelly Roll and Melissa Etheridge Named Co-Chairs for Mobilize Recovery's 2025 College ‘Campus Surge' Initiative
Mobilize Recovery, a national non-profit organization dedicated to empowering communities impacted by addiction and overdose, has announced that Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter Jelly Roll will serve as co-chair for the Mobilize Recovery Campus Surge 2025 Initiative. He will be joined by returning co-chair, singer and songwriter Melissa Etheridge, and honorary co-chair, 2022 American Idol winner and country music singer Noah Thompson. Championship college football coach Scott Cochran, a person in long-term recovery, along with Sheriff Karl Leonard of Chesterfield County, VA's Helping Addicts Recover Progressively (HARP) jail-based recovery program, will also participate as co-chairs. More from Variety 'Opry 100' Producers Tell What to Expect From Country Music's Superstars in the Three-Hour NBC Telecast 'Opry 100' Reveals Songs and Tributes: Find Out Who Post Malone, Jelly Roll, Reba McEntire, Garth Brooks and Other Stars Will Be Saluting Jelly Roll Joins 'American Idol' as First-Ever 'Artist in Residence' (EXCLUSIVE) Jelly Roll, whose real name is Jason Bradley DeFord, is committed to raising awareness about addiction, mental health, and criminal justice reform, aligning with Mobilize Recovery's mission to empower communities in addressing the overdose crisis. Beyond his musical success, Jelly Roll actively uses his platform to advocate for change and support those affected by these critical issues. He frequently visits prisons and treatment centers to share his personal story and inspire others on their path to recovery — and he was honored for his efforts with the changemaker of the year award at Variety's 2024 Hitmakers celebration. Etheridge's commitment to the recovery community grew following the tragic loss of her son. 'Our young people are the future, and their well-being is paramount,' said Etheridge. 'That's why I'm so proud to co-chair Mobilize Recovery for a third year. By working directly with local communities, this effort provides critical resources needed to support the next generation in their journey towards recovery from addiction and mental health challenges. It's an honor to be part of such a meaningful and impactful project.' Ryan Hampton, co-founder of Mobilize Recovery, commented, 'Jelly Roll's authenticity and dedication to destigmatization make him an ideal partner for this initiative. We are confident that he will connect with individuals on a profound level and empower them to become leaders within their communities. Melissa Etheridge's ongoing involvement has been invaluable, and we are delighted to have her continue with us this year.' The 2025 Mobilize Recovery initiative will feature Day of Service events hosted by numerous non-profit organizations nationwide. These events will focus on raising awareness, promoting prevention, improving access to care, and fostering empathy within their respective communities. Additionally, events will be held on college campuses across the country to highlight campus-based treatment and recovery programs designed to support students. These programs, developed over decades, have provided guidance to countless students in navigating sobriety while addressing the unique challenges of a college environment. Participating schools and event dates will be announced at the beginning of the summer. Mobilize Recovery is also partnering with keystone sponsors including Meta, iHeartMedia, Indivior, Braeburn, and SAMHSA's Opioid Response Network, to enhance the reach and impact of the 2025 initiative. These partnerships will leverage social media, technology, and broadcasting to disseminate vital information, connect individuals with resources, and inspire action on a national scale. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week What's Coming to Disney+ in April 2025 The Best Celebrity Memoirs to Read This Year: From Chelsea Handler to Anthony Hopkins
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Jelly Roll Visits Alma Mater Antioch High School After January Shooting
Jelly Roll returned to his Tennessee alma mater, Antioch High School, earlier this week to speak with students and staff nearly a month after the fatal shooting on campus. A 17-year-old student there opened fire in the school's cafeteria, resulting in two deaths, including his own, and two injuries. According to an Instagram post from Metro Nashville Public Schools, the singer took scores of photos and selfies with students during the visit, posing with some boys in a dense auditorium in one picture. Full details of his conversations with the school community haven't been divulged publicly. More from Rolling Stone Jelly Roll Lands First-Ever 'Artist in Residence' Gig at 'American Idol' Jelly Roll Will Bring the Heat With Acting Debut on Action Drama Series 'Fire Country' How Jelly Roll Got These Men Out of Jail and on Stage For One Unforgettable Night According to Billboard, Jelly Roll is one of just a few famous faces to attend the school, including former North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis and fellow rapper Yelawolf. Jelly Roll also visited the school in May 2024 to review music students' compositions and bolster the Save the Music Foundation. He reconnected with his former teachers and performed for the students as well. Jelly Roll has made a habit of generous visits to communities in need, including frequent stops at local jails while he tours around the country. Rolling Stone met with four men from Virginia's Chesterfield County Jail Helping Addicts Recover Progressively program, whom he invited to perform with him at Charlotteville's John Paul Jones Arena last year. 'Jelly Roll giving us that opportunity, it just opened my eyes to the possibilities if I keep my recovery first,' said one of the men named Kevin. 'I know that the second I don't make recovery my main focus, all of those possibilities go away.' On January 30, Jelly Roll performed in Los Angeles' FireAid benefit concert that raised funds to help the area recover from this year's devastating spate of wildfires. His song 'I Am Not Okay' from his hit album Beautifully Broken was nominated for Best Country Song and Best Country Solo Performance at the 2025 Grammys. Best of Rolling Stone The 50 Greatest Eminem Songs All 274 of Taylor Swift's Songs, Ranked The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time
