CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 19: Jelly Roll attends the 2024 Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on October 19, 2024, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame)Getty Images for The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction 2024.
Country music star Jelly Roll recently visited two correctional facilities in the Midwest to share his story of resilience with inmates. Ahead of his performance at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on November 7, the “Need a Favor” singer stopped by the Indiana Department of Correction’s Pendleton Juvenile and Pendleton Correctional Facilities in Pendleton, Indiana.
Jelly Roll, whose real name is Jason Bradley DeFord, was joined by fellow country artist Ernest, an opening act on Jelly Roll’s “Beautifully Broken” tour and a collaborator on tracks such as “Devil Down” and “I Went to College / I Went to Jail.”
“He shared his powerful story of resilience, offering words of encouragement and hope,” wrote the Indiana Department of Corrections on Facebook. “His message continues to inspire, showing that no matter the past, the future is full of possibilities.”
Jelly Roll, now 39, has openly discussed his experiences with the criminal justice system and addiction. The Nashville native faced legal issues in his teens and twenties, including charges of robbery and possession with intent to distribute. In a 2021 Billboard interview, he spoke about his history of drug use, which included Xanax, cocaine, and codeine, and the impact of addiction on his family.
He shared, “Addiction for me is more than just my problems. My child’s mother disappeared from her life for almost five years because of a heroin addiction… When you grow up in a middle- and lower-class community, no one sees the effects of drug abuse like those people.”
At age 23, Jelly Roll earned his GED while incarcerated, a milestone the Indiana Department of Corrections hoped would inspire others. The department extended gratitude to Jelly Roll for connecting with inmates and to staff for facilitating the visit.
Jelly Roll first made his mark in hip-hop before breaking into country music with his debut single “Son of a Sinner,” which topped the U.S. Country Airplay chart and earned double platinum certification. His other hit singles include “Halfway to Hell,” “Save Me” with Lainey Wilson, and “Wild Ones” with Jessie Murph. He has since won three CMT Music Awards, a CMA Award, and was nominated for Best New Artist at the 2024 Grammys.
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Recap
Jelly Roll’s story serves as a powerful reminder that recovery is achievable, even for those facing substantial challenges, including incarceration and severe addiction. His journey aligns with findings from the National Institute on Drug Abuse and similar organizations, which emphasize the value of medically supervised, evidence-based treatment in overcoming SUD.
Rehabilitation Treatment Programs like what Sunrise Recovery offer mirror these principles, providing comprehensive support that addresses the complexities of addiction and prepares individuals for lasting recovery.
Next Steps
Those struggling with addiction should seek out accredited rehab treatment centers in Indiana like Sunrise Recovery, where medical and therapeutic support can provide essential guidance. Continued research, education, and community support are crucial in breaking the cycle of addiction and aiding individuals in reclaiming their lives.
As Jelly Roll’s journey demonstrates, with the right support and resources, a healthier, fulfilling future is within reach for anyone.
