COLUMBUS, Ohio — Country music artist Jelly Roll paid a surprise visit to youth in the Franklin County Juvenile Intervention Center on Wednesday.
Jelly Roll made his visit ahead of his concert at Nationwide Arena.
According to the court, Jelly Roll — whose real name is Jason DeFord — spent time in a juvenile detention center and adult jails between the ages of 14 and 26.
The artist said he discovered his passion for music during various stints in custody for drug-related charges when he was younger.
Since finding success in music, Jelly Roll said he wanted to help young people in circumstances similar to those he faced as a teenager.
He added that developing his musical talent helped him build a new life and urges young people in detention to make good use of time and develop their skills.
“I know that I’ve sat in your seat and when I did, I know that no one ever came in and poured love on me,” Jelly Roll said. “I’ve won a bunch of awards, I’ve made a bunch of money, but mostly what I try to do a bunch of is giving back.”
During his visit to the Franklin County Juvenile Intervention Center, he toured the facility and played cards with some of the young people.
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