Jelly Roll Revisits His Old Jail Cell: “This Is Jail. It Sucks.”

YouTube / CBS Sunday Morning

Jelly Roll is taking an emotional trip down memory lane.

During an appearance on CBS Sunday Mornings, Jelly Roll returned to the Metro-Davidson County Detention Facility in Nashville, Tennessee— a place where he had once been sentenced to for 18 months. The revealing visit allowed Jelly Roll to share a glimpse of his troubled history, shedding light on the reality of incarceration.

From Prison to Country Music Trailblazer

During the segment, Jelly Roll guided viewers through the facility, pausing to open up about the harshness of the environment.

“This is jail. It sucks. Every one I’ve ever been to,” he admitted.

Sitting in the confines of his former cell, Jelly Roll reflected on his decade-long struggle with the criminal justice system, a journey that began at the young age of 14. Throughout his young-adult life, he was in and out of jail for multiple counts, ranging from drug possession to aggravated robbery.

“There was a time in my life where I truly thought…this was it,” he confessed.

Flash forward to present day, Jelly Roll is taking the country music world by storm. At the 2023 CMA Awards, he secured the award for “Best New Artist,” and most recently claimed victory by winning two Grammy Awards, one for New Artist of the Year and the other for Best Country Duo/Group Performance, which he shares with Lainey Wilson.

“Coming here, after getting nominated for two Grammys, it hits different.”

 

Jelly Roll Continues to Give Back

Paying it forward, Jelly Roll has actively engaged in philanthropic efforts to support those still navigating the challenges of incarceration. Beyond revisiting his own haunting memories, he has visited various jails, extending words of encouragement and hope.

Went and spread some love at the Chesterfield county jail before our sold out show in Virginia Beach pic.twitter.com/fSa1vHlGhG

— Jelly Roll (@JellyRoll615) August 13, 2023

One notable visit was to Chesterfield County Jail in Virginia. During his visit, Jelly Roll delivered renditions of his popular tracks, talked with the inmates, and above all, demonstrated to the inmates in recovery that they can overcome addiction and not let it shape their identity.

See Jelly Roll revisit his old jail cell below: