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Prison Art

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 30
The Parchman Band Started in the 1930s. A Modern Version Is Carrying on Tradition.
The band at the notoriously violent Mississippi State Penitentiary is back together and even playing gigs on the outside.
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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 19
‘Music From the Big House’ Frees Blues, Soul and Gospel from the Walls of Angola Prison
Standouts include a version of Lead Belly’s hit “Midnight Special” led by filmmaker Rita Chiarelli and an incarcerated band.
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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 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 June 7
The San Quentin Prison Album That Should Have Been a Classic
Ike White’s “Changin’ Times” spans soul, rock, pop and jazz. On its 50th anniversary, it’s finally getting its due.
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