Latest news with #TennesseeBoardofParole
USA Today
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
ACM Awards 2025: Jelly Roll, Shaboozey deliver passionate gospel-country duet 'Amen'
ACM Awards 2025: Jelly Roll, Shaboozey deliver passionate gospel-country duet 'Amen' At the 60th annual Academy of Country Music Awards on May 8, Jelly Roll and Shaboozey delivered an energetic performance of their duet "Amen" alongside a dancing choir. At a ceremony broadcast live from the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, and hosted by Reba McEntire, the pair hit the stage after Jelly Roll performed his 2024 song "Heart of Stone." Donning all white, Shaboozey appeared on a circular secondary stage to kick off the pair's new song, which was released on April 24. A choir appeared behind the pair as they danced and harmonized simultaneously with Shaboozey joyfully belting the gospel-country track. "Somebody say a prayer for me / 'Cause the pills ran out and I still can't sleep," Shaboozey sang, with Jelly Roll joining him on stage. "Somebody send a word upstairs / 'Cause the bar's shut down and I'm God knows where / So should knock on Heaven's door / 'Cause mine ain't working anymore." And though the lyrics to the tune may have been tinged with sadness, Shaboozey and Jelly Roll delivered hardy and powerful vocals. At the end, Jelly Roll began preaching to the audience with power in his voice and his hand raised in the air. Who is Shaboozey? Shaboozey, born Collins Obinna Chibueze, is a 29-year-old singer-songwriter and rapper whose music combines country, hip-hop and rap elements. The Virginia native is best known for his hit "A Bar Song (Tipsy)," which spent 27 weeks at the top of the Billboard Radio Songs chart, becoming the longest-running No. 1 song in the chart's history. In May 2024, Shaboozey released his record "Where I've Been, Isn't Where I'm Going." In April, he released a complete edition of the record. Recently, Shaboozey received five Grammy nominations, performed at Coachella and Stagecoach Festival and made his Met Gala debut on May 5. Who is Jelly Roll? Jelly Roll, born Jason DeFord, is a 40-year-old country music singer whose career continues to skyrocket. A Nashville native, Jelly Roll broke into the scene in 2020 and 2021 with hits "Save Me" and "Son of a Sinner." Now, he's a four-time Grammy Award nominee and CMT and CMA Award winner, best known for his hits "Need a Favor" and "I Am Not Okay." This year, Jelly Roll debuted his gospel track, "Hard Fought Hallelujah," with Brandon Lake, at the Grand Ole Opry and headlined at Stagecoach Festival in April. Jelly Roll, who was formerly incarcerated due to robbery and drug charges, has also been in the headlines recently as the Tennessee Board of Parole recommended a pardon, which would clear his criminal record. Now, Jelly Roll is a vocal proponent for prison reform and an advocate for incarcerated youth. Later this month, Jelly Roll will hit the stage at the Music City Rodeo.
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Jelly Roll hopeful correcting past mistakes will urge governor to pardon him
Country superstar Jelly Roll wants to share his message of redemption with others looking for a second chance, but says there's a roadblock in his way. The 40-year-old told the Tennessee Board of Parole that his criminal record, under his birth name, Jason DeFord, is complicating his ability to travel internationally and perform. On Tuesday, the board voted to recommend a pardon for the singer. Ultimately, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee will make the final decision. A spokesperson told CBS News the governor would follow a "comprehensive review process" and added that he generally announces pardons annually in December. Davidson County Sheriff Daron Hall, who has known Jelly Roll for years, contributed a letter of support to his pardon application. "I'm a sucker for redemption," Hall said. "I think he has an opportunity to change lives that none of us who believe we're experts -- and none of us who signed up to do this for a career — can do." What did Jelly Roll serve jail time for? Lyrics from the Jelly Roll's hit songs stem from personal experiences with drugs, crime, jail time and a family history of addiction. Starting at 14 years old, Jelly Roll spent a decade in and out of jail for drug possession, dealing, shoplifting and aggravated battery. He spoke about his road to success with "Sunday Morning" last year, from his old cell at the county detention facility in Nashville. "This is jail. It sucks, every one I've ever been to," he said. "I think that it's cool to see vulnerability that way, and that we can all grow together." Jelly Roll has regularly used his platform to be an example for others. At the 2024 CMT Music Awards he tailored his message to young men in juvenile detention, telling the crowd, "it's important that I stand up here tonight and represent those that are looking for second chances." The next day, he spoke about that moment with "CBS Mornings" co-host Gayle King, saying, "change is around the corner for all of them. So I truly believe that. I epitomize it as much as I can." He has made it his mission to speak and perform at penitentiaries across the country and has even testified on Capitol Hill to advocate for fentanyl victims and take accountability for his past. "I was a part of the problem," he said during his testimony in 2024. "I am here now standing as a man that wants to be a part of the solution." Sneak peek: The Detective's Wife St. Louis woman says family decimated by cancer after living near toxic creek for decades Arson charges related to massive New Jersey wildfire
CBS News
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Jelly Roll hopes correcting past mistakes after serving jail time will urge Tennessee governor to pardon him
Country superstar Jelly Roll wants to share his message of redemption with others looking for a second chance, but says there's a roadblock in his way. The 40-year-old told the Tennessee Board of Parole that his criminal record, under his birth name, Jason DeFord, is complicating his ability to travel internationally and perform. On Tuesday, the board voted to recommend a pardon for the singer. Ultimately, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee will make the final decision. A spokesperson told CBS News the governor would follow a "comprehensive review process" and added that he generally announces pardons annually in December. Davidson County Sheriff Daron Hall, who has known Jelly Roll for years, contributed a letter of support to his pardon application. "I'm a sucker for redemption," Hall said. "I think he has an opportunity to change lives that none of us who believe we're experts -- and none of us who signed up to do this for a career — can do." What did Jelly Roll serve jail time for? Lyrics from the Jelly Roll's hit songs stem from personal experiences with drugs, crime, jail time and a family history of addiction. Starting at 14 years old, Jelly Roll spent a decade in and out of jail for drug possession, dealing, shoplifting and aggravated battery. He spoke about his road to success with "Sunday Morning" last year, from his old cell at the county detention facility in Nashville. "This is jail. It sucks, every one I've ever been to," he said. "I think that it's cool to see vulnerability that way, and that we can all grow together." Jelly Roll has regularly used his platform to be an example for others. At the 2024 CMT Music Awards he tailored his message to young men in juvenile detention, telling the crowd, "it's important that I stand up here tonight and represent those that are looking for second chances." The next day, he spoke about that moment with "CBS Mornings" co-host Gayle King, saying, "change is around the corner for all of them. So I truly believe that. I epitomize it as much as I can." He has made it his mission to speak and perform at penitentiaries across the country and has even testified on Capitol Hill to advocate for fentanyl victims and take accountability for his past. "I was a part of the problem," he said during his testimony in 2024. "I am here now standing as a man that wants to be a part of the solution."
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Jelly Roll's path to pardon clears as Tennessee parole board weighs in
A Tennessee parole board recommended a pardon for country music star Jelly Roll this week. Following a clemency hearing for the singer -- whose real name is Jason DeFord -- in Nashville on Tuesday, the Tennessee Board of Parole recommended that his criminal record, including a past conviction of robbery, be cleared. According to the Tennessee Board of Parole, "One member of the seven-person board recused themselves from the hearing." Jelly Roll discusses 'emotional' finish to 5K run: 'I feel great' It is now up to Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee to review the board's recommendation. Jelly Roll, who is known for his hit songs, "I Am Not Okay" and "Need a Favor," has previously spoken openly about his past incarceration. In 2008 he was convicted of robbery and drug possession, according to court records. In an interview with Joe Rogan in 2023, Jelly Roll said that he spent time in jail from ages 14 to 25. "At 16, I was charged as an adult for a charge," he said at the time. "It was a heinous crime, admittedly. It was horrible. We robbed a couple of guys for some weed, but they called the police because we took some money and some stuff. It was an armed robbery, we went in there with a gun, I regret it every day of my life." He added that he was a kid when it happened, but said that he still feels "horrible about it." As a result, Jelly Roll said that his conviction has affected aspects of his life, including his ability to travel. Those who have been convicted of a felony may be denied entry into other countries due to restrictions. According to The Associated Press, Jelly Roll told the parole board this week that one of the reasons he was seeking a pardon was to be able to travel to Canada 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," he said. "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 added, 'I'll still be using this same pardon, God willing, to go do missionary work in my 50s and 60s." Jelly Roll dedicates new song 'I Am Not Okay' to 'everyone going through something': Listen here At Jelly Roll's hearing, Nashville Sheriff Daron Hall was in attendance and advocated for the singer, according to the AP. Hall shared a series of photos on social media with the singer, including one of the both of them embracing. According to the AP, following the board's decision, Jelly Roll said, "This was incredible," adding, "I pray this goes through. But today was special for me, regardless." "Good Morning America" has reached out to the Nashville Sheriff's Department and a rep for Jelly Roll for comment. Jelly Roll's path to pardon clears as Tennessee parole board weighs in originally appeared on
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Jelly Roll's path to pardon clears as Tennessee parole board weighs in
A Tennessee parole board recommended a pardon for country music star Jelly Roll this week. Following a clemency hearing for the singer -- whose real name is Jason DeFord -- in Nashville on Tuesday, the Tennessee Board of Parole recommended that his criminal record, including a past conviction of robbery, be cleared. According to the Tennessee Board of Parole, "One member of the seven-person board recused themselves from the hearing." Jelly Roll discusses 'emotional' finish to 5K run: 'I feel great' It is now up to Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee to review the board's recommendation. Jelly Roll, who is known for his hit songs, "I Am Not Okay" and "Need a Favor," has previously spoken openly about his past incarceration. In 2008 he was convicted of robbery and drug possession, according to court records. In an interview with Joe Rogan in 2023, Jelly Roll said that he spent time in jail from ages 14 to 25. "At 16, I was charged as an adult for a charge," he said at the time. "It was a heinous crime, admittedly. It was horrible. We robbed a couple of guys for some weed, but they called the police because we took some money and some stuff. It was an armed robbery, we went in there with a gun, I regret it every day of my life." He added that he was a kid when it happened, but said that he still feels "horrible about it." As a result, Jelly Roll said that his conviction has affected aspects of his life, including his ability to travel. Those who have been convicted of a felony may be denied entry into other countries due to restrictions. According to The Associated Press, Jelly Roll told the parole board this week that one of the reasons he was seeking a pardon was to be able to travel to Canada 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," he said. "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 added, 'I'll still be using this same pardon, God willing, to go do missionary work in my 50s and 60s." Jelly Roll dedicates new song 'I Am Not Okay' to 'everyone going through something': Listen here At Jelly Roll's hearing, Nashville Sheriff Daron Hall was in attendance and advocated for the singer, according to the AP. Hall shared a series of photos on social media with the singer, including one of the both of them embracing. According to the AP, following the board's decision, Jelly Roll said, "This was incredible," adding, "I pray this goes through. But today was special for me, regardless." "Good Morning America" has reached out to the Nashville Sheriff's Department and a rep for Jelly Roll for comment. Jelly Roll's path to pardon clears as Tennessee parole board weighs in originally appeared on
