by Kim Jarrett
Among the names of 33 people pardoned Thursday by Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee was Jason “Jelly Roll” DeFord.
Audiences first noticed Jason DeFord a/k/a “Jelly Roll” in 2022 with his breakout hit “Son of a Sinner,” which propelled him from the independent music circuit into the country mainstream.
Prior to that success, the Nashville native built a following over more than a decade as an underground rapper and songwriter, releasing music independently while openly discussing his struggles with addiction, incarceration, and rehabilitation. His later crossover into country and Southern rock, marked by deeply autobiographical lyrics, helped broaden his audience and redefine his public image from former offender to chart-topping artist and advocate for second chances.
The singer received his pardon in the governor’s residence. Davidson County Sheriff Daron Hall appeared with DeFord in April when he petitioned the Tennessee Board of Parole for a pardon. The board approved his request, but the final decision was up to Lee.
DeFord is open about his past arrest. His record shows convictions for robbery and possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute.
To obtain a pardon, the applicant should have been out of prison for more than five years and not under community supervision and demonstrated “exemplary citizenship since the completion of the sentence,” according to the Board of Parole.
“After thoroughly reviewing the merits of each case, I have decided to grant 33 individuals executive clemency,” Lee said in a release. “Each individual case is unique and warranted consideration, and I thank the Board of Parole members for their thoughtful recommendations throughout this process.”
It’s been a good month for Jelly Roll. Last week it was announced he is joining the Grand Ole Opry.
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Kim Jarrett is an associate editor at The Center Square. Tennessee Star Executive Editor Christina Botteri contributed this report.
Photo “Gov Bill Lee and Jelly Roll” by Gov Bill Lee.
Mr. Lee got real generous with his clemencies. Too much power for a fake conservative.