To say that Jelly Roll’s life has changed since releasing his debut country album Whitsitt Chapel in 2023 would be an understatement. He went from being a generally unknown underground artist to one of the most talked-about artists in country music in a few short months. He has also taken home a trophy case full of awards and saw major chart success with singles and albums alike. The Nashville native has also used his platform to reach and inspire countless people, from visiting jails and juvenile detention centers to speaking on Capitol Hill. Now, he’ll be adding another major speaking engagement to his resume when he addresses the World Literacy Summit in the United Kingdom later today (April 7).
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Jelly Roll will join hundreds of literacy advocates, authors, educators, and other professionals at the 2025 Literacy Summit in Oxford, United Kingdom. He’ll take the stage later today to share his story alongside Genesee County Sheriff Christopher R. Swanson. His presentation titled “The Journey of a Little Boy from Broken to Beautifully Broken” will likely detail his early run-ins with the law and how much his life has changed in recent years.
Jelly Roll won’t just be speaking at the Literacy Summit. He’ll also be receiving one of its most prestigious awards. “In recognition of his contributions, Jelly Roll is set to receive the Global Literacy Award at the World Literacy Summit, celebrating his global influence on literacy,” according to the summit’s official website.
They’re presenting the “Save Me” singer with the award because he “acts as an advocate for improving foundational literacy within the justice system domestically and internationally, especially among young offenders, through educational programs and resources.”
Jelly Roll Keeps His Community Close to His Heart
Jelly Roll is a massive star and is currently traveling abroad to receive honors for his international contributions to literacy. However, he will never forget the community that raised him. Recently, his alma mater, Antioch High School, suffered a tragic shooting that left two dead and one wounded.
As the students dealt with the grief and shock in the days after the shooting, Jelly Roll visited his old high school to boost the student body’s morale. A social media post from Metro Nashville Public School showed the award-winning singer/songwriter spending time and laughing with students. “Thank you, Jelly Roll, for reaching out to the Antioch community and offering some comfort during a difficult time,” the post read. “We appreciate your support!”
Featured Image by AFF-USA/Shutterstock
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