Country music artist Jelly Roll returned to the Nashville juvenile detention center where he once served time to launch a new songwriting program for incarcerated youth. Joined by fellow country stars ERNEST and Jeffrey Steele, Jelly Roll opened a series of studios on April 18, with Nashville mayor Freddie O’Connell and other musicians in attendance.
Reflecting on his own past at the detention center, Jelly Roll shared his experience of never having visitors or mentors during his time there. Collaborating with the Beat of Life Organization, a non-profit that provides music programs for vulnerable populations, Jelly Roll aims to mentor and inspire participants in the program.
Board president Casey LeVasseur mentioned that the organization will work at the detention center regularly, offering music production education, rap classes, songwriting sessions, and music business guidance. Jeffrey Steele, who also participated in the opening event, sponsored the initiative through his family’s charity fund, The Alex LeVasseur Memorial Fund.
Emotional at the event, Jelly Roll expressed his gratitude for the support and opportunity to give back to the community that he once was a part of. The program will continue to support the inmates through music mentorship even after they are released from the center.
