The Journey of Rapper-Turned-Nation Singer Jelly Roll

The artist referred to as Jelly Roll is a 39-year-old former rapper whose songs inform the story of his troubled life. He’s now one of many greatest names in nation music, with two Grammy nominations this yr. With reporter Kelefa Sanneh, we take Jelly Roll inside one of many jail cells the place he lived, the place he wrote songs and hatched his plans for music success — ultimately discovering himself on the “holy floor” of Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry. (This story initially aired on Jan. 7, 2024.)