country music | The Marshall Project

What are records? Since 2014, The Marshall Project has been curating some of the best criminal justice reporting from around the web. In these records you will find the most recent and the most authoritative articles on the topics, people and events that are shaping the criminal justice conversation. The Marshall Project does not endorse the viewpoints or vouch for the accuracy of reports other than its own.

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Marshall Project Originals

Live From Tennessee State Prison, a Rollicking Version of a Country Gem

Sonny James’ 1977 cover of “In the Jailhouse Now” was part of an innovative collaboration with incarcerated musicians, stagehands and photographers.

Redemption Songs • 04.26.2026

When Texas Was Fertile Ground for Prison Bands

Until the 1980s, an annual prison rodeo offered a chance for men inside to perform and sell albums. Now we’re making them available to you.

Feature • 03.10.2026

Redemption Songs: The Forgotten History of American Prison Music

From blues to gospel, country to rap, people have been making music behind bars for decades. Here’s why we should all tune in.

Looking Back • 08.03.2023

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