Johnny Cash had his “Folsom Prison Blues” moment, and it looks like Jelly Roll will soon have another opportunity to do the same when he visits the Genesee County Jail in Michigan.
Things are not necessarily set in stone, but it looks like Jelly Roll will be making a stop at the county jail in Flint, Michigan, in the near future, as long as the Sheriff’s department gives it the go-ahead.
Which how could you not? It isn’t everyday that one of the hottest artists in the music industry (who is a walking ex-convict success story) wants to come to your county jail to speak to the inmates and play a concert for them.
In a video that was posted to the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office’s Facebook page, Jelly Roll said:
“What’s up Sheriff Swanson, I’m sitting here hanging out with Bussy the bus dog. Man, thank you for your message. It was so encouraging, (and) dude that day at Chesterfield was one of the best days I’ve had on tour.
So here’s what I want to do. I want to come see you. I want a ride along, I want to go talk, I want to play some songs for some inmates if I’m allowed to.”
Jelly then goes on to talk about the details of the meet up, saying that the Sheriff’s office should get in touch with his people to get the wheels in motion.
The rapper-turned-country-star then excitedly talks about “getting it done,” and also commends the Genesee County Sheriff, Chris Swanson, for his jailing policies:
“We’re setting it up. I’m on the way baby. I want to come talk and see what I can do to help further. Man, we need more sheriffs like you, and we need more sheriffs like our friend over there in Chesterfield county.
That is what’s making a difference man. We need to focus on rehabilitation and not discipline, you get it. Anyways, love you brother, thank you for your kind words, and I can’t wait to see you.”
Sounds like it’s really just a matter of crossing the t’s and dotting the i’s and lowercase j’s before the Genesee County Jail concert becomes official.
Chris Swanson said himself that Jelly Roll is an inspiration to him, and spoke hopefully about having the musician visit his jail in an interview with a local radio station. The Sheriff said that a visit from Jelly would work wonders for the inmates at Genesee County Jail, saying:
“It’s to show people that are locked up, because there’s 80 million people in America that’s at least one time, one hour, one day, in jail, that there is hope in making better decisions and he’s got the story of hope.”
It’s hard to find a better story about hope and second chances than Jelly Roll…
And this isn’t the first time he’ll be visiting a jail, as he recently stopped by the Chesterfield County Jail in Chesterfield, Virginia to hang with inmates.
And then back in January, he performed a little Johnny Cash for the fellas in his old cell block at the Davidson County Juvenile Correction Center:
@againstthegrain_ent The stuff Jellyroll does for his community is insane. A true inspiration, honestly. #jellyroll #sonofasinner #nashville #acal #creeksquad #countryrap ♬ Stuck In The Middle – Tai Verdes
