Despite setbacks on path to recovery Jelly Roll’s story inspires residents

Jelly Roll connected with the incarcerated at San Quentin in an epic performance that brought a sense hope and redemption for many of those who have spent years or decades behind bars. 

Inmate Twitter spread like wild fire: “Jelly Roll and Post Malone are coming to The Q!” people shouted on the yard. Residents assembled themselves all around the Lower Yard and on the basketball court in anticipation of the dual arrival. However, Post Malone couldn’t make it.

Jelly Roll’s music speaks openly about his past struggles with substances and as a convicted felon who spent years in and out of the prison system since he was teenager. He motivated some of the residents into thinking positive, that they too can be successful upon release.

“This is a life changing moment because is an inspiration for me when I am going home in five weeks,” said resident Nick Johnson. “If Jelly can do it, I can do it.”

Warden C. Andes took the stage and introduced Jelly Roll to the crowd. “Hey San Quentin, how are we all doing? I want you all to know that today is a special day. Who wants to hear the real thing?” 

“Son of a Sinner,” “Need a Favor,” both chart toppers on Billboard’s Country Airplay Chart in 2024, kept the residents singing along. In addition, Jelly Roll sang “Save Me,” which reflects on a lifestyle of pain. “I am a lost cause, baby / Don’t waste your time on me / I am damaged beyond repair…” In response, hundreds of hands reached up to the air while some looked up to heaven, a gesture of atonement for past wrong-doers.  

He was accompanied by his guitarist, Joe Andrews, and assisted by Ronnie, an incarcerated person, who was on drums. Jelly Roll acknowledged his drummer’s talent and thanked him for playing with him.

Race, religion, and affiliations were not important. This day he gave something special to the people at The Q. Those who themselves struggled with addictions or mental health issues felt blessed that a celebrity took his time to sing, to give his testimony as someone who has faced similar struggles.

Jelly Roll also sang Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues” and changed the lyrics to “I am stuck in San Quentin and time keeps rolling on,” instead of Cash’s version, “I am stuck in Folsom Prison.”

For Erick Maciel, a resident and artist, Jelly Roll has become an inspiration because he was incarcerated and was able to pick himself up and become a success story. For Maciel, a lifer, the performance has given him a new perspective.  

In December of 2024, the artist made an unannounced visit to The Q and Maciel saw him from a distance. It was then he decided to do a portrait of the artist, and patiently waited for his return. 

“I really wanted to make a one-of-a-kind souvenir from San Quentin with a quote that relates to his positive thinking, which is ‘never give up,’” said Maciel. “… You’re giving us a taste of hope!”

The singer shared with the crowd that he had a daughter while incarcerated and couldn’t see her and when he finally did, he had to be supervised by custody. 

“For all you dads who are going through the same thing, keep doing the right thing and you’ll get home to see them.”

His message of hope resonated with those who are incarcerated parents. He openly admitted that he had struggled with addictions his whole life. However, he attributes the success that he found later in life and the custody of his daughter to his sobriety.

Jelly Roll reminded us that set-backs happen on the path to recovery. He reflected how he once relapsed but stayed focused on the relationship between himself and his daughter, which has helped him persevere. 

The artist said he received custody of his daughter when she turned 10 years old. 

After hearing the singer talk about his daughter, it gave hope to David Medina, a SQ resident. As a dad, it pains him that his daughter experiences hurt because he is not out there with her. 

Walter “the Rated-R Burns” who was in Tupac Shakur’s first rap group, Thug Life, is incarcerated and a hip-hop veteran at The Q. He said he appreciates the fact that Jelly Roll doesn’t forget about those who are incarcerated. He values the authenticity of individuals giving back.

Prior to Jelly Roll’s arrival, several incarcerated artists had a good time on stage lightening up the mood   with “Sunny Days,” a song that talks about traumas and suffering from being abandoned as a child.

Kaomang P. Saeliaw, a resident who is partially deaf and uses a hearing aid, wrote on a piece of paper “It’s wow we can’t believe his voice, music very pretty. He has been in Jail. He learned to change his life. This event was pretty perfect and supports SQ. It encourages people to join together in song.” 

“I feel like I am back home among my own,” Jelly Roll said. “Please tell everyone that I am coming back to San Quentin with my whole band!”