Jelly Roll Launches Music Studio At Nashville Juvenile Detention Center

Photo: The Beat of Life / Facebook

Jelly Roll has opened a music studio for troubled youths to provide a second chance to aspiring musicians.

The “Save Me” singer, who overcame his own legal troubles through music, recently took a significant step by co-funding and establishing a music studio at the Nashville Juvenile Detention Center.

The studio’s establishment was made possible with a portion of the proceeds from Jelly Roll’s successful Bridgestone Arena headlining show last December.

This endeavor aims to provide a second chance to aspiring musicians within the juvenile detention system.

In a remarkable event organized by The Beat of Life, called “Redemption Songs,” Jelly Roll, a former detainee at the same center, attended and performed alongside fellow artist ERNEST. Their new collaboration, “I Went To College / I Went To Jail,” featured on ERNEST’s new album, explores their long-standing friendship spanning almost fifteen years.

Incarcerated youth and members of the music community collaborating with the organization attended the emotional event.

In a Facebook post from The Beat of Life, they shared that this collaboration “embodies the belief in music’s role in personal growth and redemption, showcasing the journey from juvenile detention to success.”

A significant highlight of the event was Jelly Roll’s heartfelt speech about the music studio’s opening. He expressed his emotional connection to the studio’s establishment, emphasizing the impact it could have had on his own life if such opportunities were available to him during his time in the facility.

“I never would have dreamed when I was sitting right there that I would one day come back and introduce a studio…I got emotional when I realized how many writers came here today to give their time to these kids. I don’t know how I would have responded if they came and tried to write a song with me back then, but I know how much further it would have put me ahead in life because music did save my life.”

RELATED: Jelly Roll Gives Powerful Interview About How Far He’s Come Since Serving Time

In an interview with Entertainment Tonight in June 2023, Jelly Roll emphasized the pivotal role music played in his life, describing it as a constant source of comfort and support during challenging times.

“I think at some point in life, everything in life has let me down. But music was always my constant,” he shared. “Like, when I had nothing else, I had a boombox. When I was incarcerated, I had a set of headphones and a little radio.”

Jelly Roll also expressed that he finds the ultimate reward in engaging with his audience and making a positive impact on people’s lives.

“Music was always there to give me a hug. So I just want to do that for people.”

The Beat of Life, an organization dedicated to providing therapeutic songwriting and music programs to vulnerable and marginalized individuals, including those in the juvenile detention system, remains committed to its mission.

Those interested in supporting their cause can visit The Beat of Life’s official website to make a donation.

To witness the light-hearted side of ERNEST and Jelly Roll’s collaboration, watch their animated music video for “I Went To College / I Went To Jail” below.