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A collage illustration shows a vinyl record at the center of the frame with various cutouts of black-and-white images overtop. On the left edge of the vinyl record, the 1950s musical group The Prisonaires is singing over a microphone. Toward the center, a group of musicians called The Outlaws poses with instruments in a yard. On the right side of the vinyl record, a man with a goatee listens to music through a pair of headphones. His eyes are closed. A soundwave connects all of these collaged photographs. Splashes of teal and purple paint lay beneath all these elements.
Looking Back August 3
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.
By Maurice Chammah
Jason Naradzay, far left, plays violin as part of the Riverside Quartet at Sing Sing Correctional Facility.
Life Inside July 5, 2018
Learning Violin Helped Me Survive Prison
How one former inmate found healing—and himself—through music.
By Jason Naradzay
This image featuring Benny Medina (drums) appears on the back of the 1972 album “Behind the Walls.” Music featured on the record was written and performed by inmates housed for a system-wide contest organized by the Texas Department of Corrections.
Looking Back May 30, 2016
The Real Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Had a Father in Prison
And he played drums in a prison band.
By Maurice Chammah
The Frame May 16, 2016
A Peek at the Golden Age of Prison Radio
A new book explores a time when Texas prisons promoted rehabilitation through a wildly successful radio show.
By Maurice Chammah
Six years after being paroled for murders he committed in 1976, Rick Stevens will return to prison, this time as a performer.
Q&A May 11, 2016
Tower of Power Star to Funkifize a California Prison
Rick Stevens on his three decades locked up and his return to performing.
By Maurice Chammah
Feature February 12, 2016
Kendrick Lamar, the Grammys and the Year in Socially Conscious Music
Black Lives Matter took center stage in 2015’s hip-hop and R&B.
By Simone Weichselbaum and Pedro Burgos
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