Jelly Roll Breaks Ground on Youth Campus for Empowerment in Nashville
- Jelly Roll, a Grammy nominee, starts a new youth program in Nashville.
- The program aims to support young individuals and provide them with positive opportunities.
- The initiative comes after Jelly Roll's troubled past, including multiple encounters with the law.
Nashville, TN – Music artist Jelly Roll, whose real name is Jason Bradley DeFord, took a break from his extensive touring schedule last Thursday to participate in the groundbreaking ceremony for the Youth Campus for Empowerment. This initiative aims to rehabilitate young individuals rather than treating them as criminals, a mission that resonates deeply with Jelly Roll, who spent years incarcerated at the former Davidson County Juvenile Justice Center. He emphasized the importance of love, connection, and understanding in helping at-risk youth, stating, “A lot of these kids are victims of their circumstances.” Having faced significant legal troubles himself, including 40 arrests since his teenage years, Jelly Roll has transformed his life following the birth of his daughter, Bailee Ann DeFord. He is also a father to his seven-year-old son, Noah Buddy DeFord. Reflecting on his past experiences, he urged others to visit juvenile facilities to witness the treatment of young offenders, advocating for a compassionate approach to juvenile justice. Despite his busy schedule, which has seen him spend only 20 days at home this year, Jelly Roll is gearing up for a series of performances, including a show on August 17 at The Stephen Talkhouse in Amagansett, NY. He is set to launch his 67-date "The Beautifully Broken Tour" on August 27 in Salt Lake City, UT. Additionally, he and his wife, Alyssa 'Bunnie XO' DeFord, are on an IVF fertility journey, further highlighting his commitment to family and personal growth.