Jelly Roll Leads Music Studio Launch at Former Juvenile Detention Center

Jelly Roll has set up a music hub at Nashville’s Juvenile Detention Center, pouring proceeds from his recent hometown arena show into the initiative. Alongside fellow Nashville artist ERNEST, they hosted a collaborative performance at the studio, joined by various musicians and songwriters.

The studio's inauguration, dubbed the "Redemption Songs" Event and organized by The Beat of Life Organization, a local nonprofit, drew attention from Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell, Juvenile Court Judge Sheila Calloway, and others. The venture represents a full-circle moment for Jelly Roll, who once found himself in the same facility as a youth.

“Jelly Roll officially opened his studios, making the event the first to kick off using the lasting resource for aspiring musicians in the very place he was once housed as a youth,” shared the Beat of Life social media pages. “This collaboration, featuring music luminaries Jeffrey Steele and Ernest alongside 35 pro/hit songwriters who helped kick off the program launch, embodies the belief in music's role in personal growth and redemption, showcasing the journey from juvenile detention to success.”

Reflecting on the significance of music in his life, Jelly Roll expressed, “Music did save my life. I am the life that music changed, for the record. I am that life, and I believe that somebody else is that life in here.”

Earlier this year, Jelly Roll missed the 2024 People’s Choice Awards, where he was named Male Country Artist of the Year, to prioritize the launch of the music program at the Davidson County Juvenile Detention Center. His commitment to the initiative stemmed from a desire not to let down the youth, recalling his own experiences of disappointment during his time there.

“I’m sorry I wasn’t there. Here’s the truth,” he shared in a video. “I’m actually standing in the juvenile courthouse right now. I just walked out of the juvenile facility. We partnered with The Beat of Life to bring a music program to the kids. This has been on my calendar for a long time. I promised these kids I was coming. I know whenever I was a kid in here, I got let down a lot. I didn’t wanna be one of the people letting these kids down. I had to honor my word. I hate I wasn’t (at the People’s Choice Awards), but don’t take me not being there as a sign of anything other than love and respect, and me trying to do better for my community, baby. Anyways, these kids wrote some big songs today, man. We’re gonna work something out where y’all can start hearing what we’re working on in this juvenile (facility). …This has been unreal. Love y’all.”