Jelly Roll is on another mission to uplift his community in a big way.
Jelly Roll fans know just how much he cares about supporting the youth. After facing a tough childhood himself, he now uses his resources and influence to help support those in need.
Back in April, Jelly Roll helped co-fund and establish a music studio at the Nashville Juvenile Detention Center. The goal was to give troubled youth a second chance to follow their dreams of becoming musicians—something Jelly understands well.
Now, the “Dead End Road” singer is stepping up once again to give back even more.
On August 8, Jelly Roll helped to kick off the groundbreaking for Nashville’s brand-new Youth Campus for Empowerment. The 14-acre site will include facilities to help families, a 24-hour center for youths in crisis, courtrooms, and meeting spaces. The inspiring project aims to transform the lives of young people in the area.
Construction on the Youth Campus for Empowerment is set to be completed in 2027.
Jelly Roll actually grew up close by in Antioch, Tennessee, about a half hour away from Nashville. During his younger years, he even spent some time in the same, older facility, known as the Davidson County Juvenile Justice Center. His past makes his mission to create a better environment for those who find themselves in similar situations even more special.
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And Jelly Roll isn’t just the voice for this change. He is actively partnering with the city to help fund the new facility.
Reflecting on his own experiences, Jelly shared, “I celebrated my 14th, 15th, and 16th birthdays there. The only reason I wasn’t there at 17 was because I was charged as an adult.”
Jelly Roll made it clear that this youth-centered initiative is money well spent. He pointed out that the old center “hadn’t changed nothing but the paint in 30 years,” a fact he knows all too well.
But Jelly has some big visions for the new facility, ones that hopefully will completely transform it.
“Get rid of stuff that makes you feel like a caged animal,” he urged. “Make these kids feel loved and give them a chance in life. A lot of these kids are victims of their circumstances. This is a really great chance to change things.”
Jelly Roll is a true class act!
Listen to his full speech at the groundbreaking ceremony below.
In other exciting Jelly Roll news, he has some big things coming his way!
Shortly after releasing his modern take on John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” it was announced that Jelly will be singing the new ESPN college football anthem.
His new track, “Get By,” is now the official soundtrack for the 2024-25 season. It’s only the second time that ESPN has collaborated with a country artist for their anthem.
So get ready football fans for some Jelly Roll!