Jelly Roll Overcomes Felony History To Book First International Gig

It was previously reported that the country music star Jelly Roll had not been able to tour internationally because he is a convicted felon. That’s all about to change, however, as Jelly Roll has just booked his first international tour date!

Jelly Roll Goes International For The First Time

Entertainment Tonight reported that Jelly Roll, 39, took to his Instagram Stories this week to reveal that he is going international for the first time with a gig in Canada!

On July 9, Jelly Roll will be performing at the 30th annual Ottawa Bluesfest in St. Catharines, Canada. Proceeds from his performance will go to The Heather Winterstein Foundation.

This organization is named after a 24 year old Indigenous woman named Heather Winterstein. She tragically died in the waiting room at St. Catharines’ Hospital in December of 2021. Her death sparked widespread outspread outrage in Canada after it as revealed that she was only given Tylenol and sent home during her initial visit to the hospital.

Heather Winterstein returned the next day after her symptoms worsened. Sadly, it was already too late, and she died in the waiting room.

“The Foundation and the family of Heather Winterstein are grateful that Jelly Roll is honoring us with his very first Canadian concert on our behalf,” said Jennifer Dockstader, the foundation’s executive director.

She went on to praise Jelly Roll for his “dedication to raising awareness, sharing his story of healing, and supporting substance use disorder treatments.”

“His message brings the struggles of our loved ones into the open and helps us celebrate the healing journeys of our relatives in,” Dockstater later added.

Jelly Roll’s Difficulties Booking International Dates

This comes weeks after Jelly Roll opened up about his difficulties booking international gigs. He did this while sitting down with Jon Bon Jovi for Interview Magazine.

“I’m so excited,” Jelly Roll said. “We’re figuring out the final pieces of some legal puzzles for me to get overseas.”

When Bon Jovi looked visibly confused, Jelly Roll further explained, “Yeah. It’s funny, America has finally agreed to let me leave and give me a passport, but some countries won’t let me come because of my felonies.”

“We’re working on that,” he continued. “I think it’s going to work in my favor.”

Sure enough, Jelly Roll was right, as he’s officially going international next month!

Jelly Roll’s Criminal History

Jelly Roll has long been open about his past problems with the law. Last year, Jelly Roll opened up about being convicted at age 15. This conviction came after he and some friends “robbed a couple of guys for some weed.”

Taste of Country reported that Jelly Roll went on to explain that he was tried as an adult because “it was a heinous crime, admittedly … it was an armed robbery, we went in there with a gun. I regret it every day of my life.”

“I’ve carried that inexpugnable felony for 20-something years,” he continued. He’s had to do this because of Tennessee’s zero-forgiveness policy for violent offenders.

Thankfully, in the years since then, Jelly Roll has completely turned his life around. Here’s hoping that next month’s Canada performance is only the beginning of his international music career!