US singer Jelly Roll pardoned by Tennessee governor for past felony convictions

Jelly Roll was pardoned for past criminal convictions in the state of Tennessee last week. Photo / Getty Images

US singer Jelly Roll has received a pardon from the Governor of Tennessee for his past criminal convictions in the state.

The country artist, born Jason Deford, was pardoned with 32 others in an official ceremony held at the mansion of Tennessee Governor Bill Lee last week.

The Daily Mail reported the Governor was impressed with how the singer had turned his life around.

“His story is remarkable,” he said.

“A redemptive, powerful story, which is what you look for and what you hope for.”

In 2003, the singer was convicted of felony robbery and served a year in prison and additional probation, according to USA Today.

Then in 2008, he was convicted of felony drug possession after Nashville police found cannabis and crack cocaine in his vehicle. He was sentenced to eight years of court-ordered police supervision.

Variety reported the Son of a Sinner singer first approached the Board of Parole about a pardon in October last year to allow him to travel more freely.

He claimed the convictions impacted his ability to travel, and that a pardon would permit him to tour and carry out missionary work overseas.

Davidson County sheriff Daron Hall managed one of the prisons where Jelly Roll was held.

He wrote a supporting letter and spoke at the pardoning ceremony, referring to the singer’s emotional growth while inside.

“He has a chance to rehabilitate a generation. He can cry on stage, and say ‘I’m not okay.’ The lyrics are what people need to know and what young people need to hear,” he said.

“I’m talking about what I see we need in our country, is people who accept responsibility, accept the fact that they make mistakes and accept the fact that they need help.”

Jelly Roll has confronted his former life in his art and performances, including at prison visits and even testifying before the United States Senate about the dangers of fentanyl, Variety said.

“I was part of the problem,” he said.

“I am here now standing as a man that wants to be a part of the solution.”

The pardon won’t clear Jelly Roll’s record outright, but it is required before he can apply to have it expunged, according to USA Today.

Jelly Roll was forced to cancel his Auckland show last month because of sudden illness.