SALEM, Ore. -- Country singer Jelly Roll has been playing sold-out shows across the U.S. as part of his “Beautifully Broken” tour. But earlier this week, his venue wasn't a massive arena: it was the Oregon State Penitentiary.

The award-winning musician shared a video and photos of his visit to the Salem prison on Instagram, showing him singing a rendition of Johnny Cash's “Folsom Prison Blues” and signing autographs for the inmates.

According to Jelly Roll, it was the first live music performance in the prison yard in two decades.

“I strongly believe that those who commit crimes should face consequences and be held responsible for their actions, but I also believe that every person deserves compassion and love regardless of their past mistakes,” the 39-year-old shared on Instagram.

Jelly Roll, who spent time in prison during his youth, revealed that he penned his first song while incarcerated.

“There's no feeling better than returning to a prison setting and performing a song for you all,” he expressed to the audience.

His music frequently delves into his difficult past and struggles with addiction, and in his video from the prison, one individual shares how Jelly Roll's music transformed his life.

“I heard ‘Save Me’ on the radio, and I got clean that very day,” the man stated, referencing a song from Jelly Roll’s latest album.

Jelly Roll, whose real name is Jason DeFord, started his musical journey as a rapper before achieving recognition as a country artist. In 2023, he was awarded New Artist of the Year at the Country Music Association Awards.

“I remember being in a difficult time and no one ever reaching out to give us any hope for changing our lives,” he said. “It felt so good bringing a little positivity to such a bleak place.”