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Redemption Songs September 6
He Wrote a Song Called ‘Freedom.’ Now He’s Free.
After playing bass in a Philadelphia-area prison music program, Bernard Lee, 73, earned parole.
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Redemption Songs August 23
Two 17-Year-Olds in Custody Wrote a Love Song in an Arts Program. One Didn’t Survive.
The Radical Reversal program opens recording studios in youth correctional facilities. The work doesn’t come without heartbreak.
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Redemption Songs August 16
In the Early ’90s, the Lifers Group Tried to Warn Kids About the Perils of Prison
The incarcerated hip-hop group that emerged from the controversial ‘Scared Straight’ program set out to deglamorize the gangster rap of the moment.
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Redemption Songs August 9
The Young Men Rapping and Beatmaking From a Youth Lockup
On “No Ceilings,” a young Portland lyricist asks, “If I confess all my sins, would they hang me for it?”
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Redemption Songs August 2
An Iconic ‘90s Neo-Soul Record About Life After Lockup
Chico DeBarge’s “Iggin Me” mirrors his own struggle with incarceration and loss.
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Redemption Songs July 5
A Timely Remix of ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing’ Out of a New York Prison
The Capitol riots angered Sing Sing’s Alfred Roberts. He responded with his version of what is widely known as the Black national anthem.
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Redemption Songs June 28
With ‘Live on Death Row,’ Rapper Rrome Alone Condemns the Death Penalty
“Every life hinges on poverty, gender and race,” he declares in the 2024 song, “and the pay of the attorney defending your case.”
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Redemption Songs June 21
Ear Hustle’s Antwan Banks Williams Goes Deep on ‘Like Father, Like Son’
Two years after the podcast’s co-creator’s dad died, he used hip-hop to celebrate their bond.
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Redemption Songs May 3
This Is the Sound of 1,300 People in Prison Singing Gospel Together
Kirk Franklin, Maverick City Music and a choir of 30 incarcerated men recorded one of the biggest prison concerts in Florida history.
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Redemption Songs April 26
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.
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