“Hear Our Cries” Inmates Find Redemption

Through Song Jeni Dominelli

8 | JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2019 AMERICANJails His name is Quincy, and he is a pre-trial detainee in the jail, awaiting a new trial after his prison sentence was overturned. People call him Q. When I meet him, I tell him that he’s got the best name for the entertainment industry. He flashes me a megawatt smile—the bright- est kind where his eyes and entire being smile. He is 26 years old and has a vibrant personality and upbeat spirit. Already incarcerated for seven years, Quincy has somehow managed to simultaneously become infused both with the dreams of the younger generations and the deep wisdom and self-awareness of a more mature person. He dreams of becoming an inspirational speaker someday, for kids in particular. Never mind that he was formerly sentenced to life in prison. On his first day of class, he shares his heart-wrenching story of hav- ing grown up with a single mother who was wracked with addiction for all of his young life. It’s a story that’s tragically not uncommon, and Quincy knows this. After he tells his story with an astonishing composure, and without blame or bitterness, he says, “But I know I’m not alone and there are so many kids out there who have the same stories. And I want to talk to them. I want to help them so they don’t end up here. Because there are a whole lot of other little ‘me’s’ out there.” So last month, we let Quincy prac- tice speaking for his inspirational cir- cuit gig dream on his inmate peers. But not before he penned his inspira- tional anthem to go with it.

AMERICANJails JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2019 | 9 Quincy came to us as a participant there is a deeply humanizing impact in our Redemption Songs program, as our songwriters realize that but a songwriting program designed to for grace of God, given the same set serve inmate populations in cor- of circumstances, their roles with the rectional facilities. Created by The inmates could be reversed. (A pow- Beat of Life, a Nashville nonprofit, erful song called “One Right Turn the program was launched at the from Wrong” came out of this very Davidson County Sheriff’s Office realization; one of its profound lines (DCSO) several years ago and— declares “we’re ALL just one right thanks to Nashville Sheriff Daron turn away from wrong.”) As they wit- Hall—now calls the DCSO its per- ness the inmates’ stories and songs, manent home. the outside world gets a powerful “With a glimpse into this forgotten popula- The Redemption Songs Program tion and sees “what kind of people” The Redemption Songs program are sitting in our correctional facili- partners Nashville songwriters with simple song ties—often demolishing stereotypes inmates to utilize songwriting as in an instant. a means of therapy, rehabilitation, hope, overcoming, and redemption. a person Where It All Started For two hours, each inmate works As both a social worker and a with two songwriters, sharing their songwriter, I first envisioned this life stories and brokenness. And (like me) merging of the human/social service their redemption is woven into lyrics and songwriting worlds here in and melodies. Nashville seven years ago. Although The inmates are often tentative can make it was a merging of my own two entering their assigned rooms passions, it also brought together with these guitar-carrying strangers. a powerful combination—one that However, they emerge with songs a turn was capable of creating magic. that rival those on the Billboard And it began with the simple mis- charts. In addition to high-fives, sion to create songwriting programs cheers, and laughter, they have in life.” for Nashville’s most vulnerable, formed a bond with their songwrit- challenged, and hurting populations ers that seems impossible after just a by pairing the most critical social couple of hours of acquaintance. issues of our time with the power of We may also witness equally music. The atmosphere in the room is redemptive moments when a guest electric when everyone returns from takes the stage before the music even Our tagline for The Beat of Life their sessions to share what they’ve begins. A favorite of these moments program is “Music Can Save a Life.” created. After each inmate performs, occurred when Tommie Harris We believe that music is more than a we are crying, they are crying, the proclaimed to the audience that as form of entertainment; music has the songwriters are crying, and often he read the letters on their orange ability to profoundly transform and the case managers or officers in the jump suits—DCSO for Davidson potentially save lives. Our concept is room are crying. County Sheriff’s Office—he wanted not only to use Nashville’s greatest These concert performances allow them to re-imagine that acronym. asset and resource to deliver more the inmates to showcase their songs “Because you see, what I see when I entertainment and hit songs, but also for their inmate peers, the staff, and look at those letters is that Daylight to serve our community in a more sometimes even a small community Can Suddenly Occur. At any given powerful way. audience. Usually, a guest speaker moment it can all change for you As an organization, we have begins the event with a keynote mes- men.” It left them in awe as they created programs for and served a sage to kick off the day and inspire cheered in disbelief that even their staggering array of social causes, the room. Some of our recent speak- jail clothes could be redefined. including soldiers and veterans with ers were former felon Joe Bradford This program also provides a PTSD; individuals battling mental of Unconditional movie fame and greater social awareness that edu- illness, depression, and suicide risk; Tommie Harris, NFL Chicago Bears cates the community about the and children and teens in schools football star turned compelling incarcerated population and the and youth centers where they are inspirational speaker and a singer need for more programs focusing on daily fighting bullying/cruelty, himself. inmate rehabilitation. In addition, addiction, eating disorders, paren-

10 | JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2019 AMERICANJails tal neglect or absence, anger, hate/ The one thing I did know was It turned out that I didn’t need to prejudice, and their own younger that he loved music. I’d grown up be worried. forms of depression, anxiety, mental listening to Fleetwood Mac, ABBA, Looking back over the past four illness, self-harm, and suicide. Bob Dylan, and scores of all of his years of our Redemption Songs And, of course, the population in favorite classic rock bands. Music program, I am not quite sure exactly correctional facilities. was his language. So I started send- how it happened. But somehow ing him song lyrics from some of But this population didn’t just an infectious passion was enough his favorites, choosing the ones that get pulled out of the air as the next to influence a songwriting com- carried messages that might move cause of the hour to tackle. Its origin munity to follow me into both jails his heart as well as give him hope began years ago in my own soul. As and prisons, igniting them to serve that he could have a second chance the child of an incarcerated parent, those who are ignored. And these at what he’d lost. Even in my youth, my family’s story had proved to songwriters—many of whom have I instinctively understood the power me that not only was redemption hits on the radio—have now tagged of music. possible, but that music could be a Redemption Songs as their favorite powerful contributing force to get program. there. The Nashville Sheriff’s Office Our greatest champion is When I founded The Beat of Life, I grew up visiting my dad in a Nashville Sheriff Daron Hall. It correctional facilities were among correctional facility from the time I is his belief in the program that the first places where I wanted to was nine years old until I graduated allowed us to expand and catapulted introduce my “big idea.” But I won- from college. I learned quickly that Redemption Songs into what it is dered if anyone would join me. Who the culture in a correctional facility today. else would share my compassion makes connecting to incarcerated I still remember the first day I and go into these hard places with family members incredibly challeng- walked into one of the DCSO facili- me? Especially songwriters. More ing. Adding to that barrier, my dad ties to introduce my idea to Regina importantly, who would let me come was fairly introverted in nature and DeRiggi, the Treatment Supervisor. into their facilities with these big- battling a fierce media storm around At the time, I had no idea how hearted, but often rowdy, musicians his incarceration. I didn’t know programming worked inside cor- and songwriters carrying enough him very well, and I was just a kid rectional facilities. She immediately gear for a Rolling Stones concert? myself. embraced my idea and brought

AMERICANJails JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2019 | 11 He inspired us to consider dream- ing even bigger than before, and we “ This program is a game changer! It were astonished at his vision. Our new curriculum, launched embraces one’s spirit and mind, raising in 2018, is a six-week program. Not only are the inmates writing the ability to strive through tough times. and performing songs in a one-day ” event, but they are also learning the mechanics of songwriting as well in Shreeti Bickett, the Program his own testimony of redemption as the music business. When he Administrator. with those who need it most. can, Sheriff Hall comes to watch the My first impression of these As it turned out, the day Sheriff inmates’ performances and gives his two women was of their incredible Hall had been invited to witness a own message, sharing his belief in hearts that genuinely cared about Redemption Songs event, Jeff was second chances. the inmates’ well-being and reha- on our program roster, including a bilitation. These women were filled keynote address to all of the male Something Good from with excitement and enthusiasm and female inmates in the entire cor- Something Bad about the impact this program could rectional complex. He stood in the jail The first week of the program potentially have. After they saw yard that day and pointed to the very begins by letting the inmates know one session of The Beat of Life, they window he would look out when he that although this is a songwriting came back to watch every session, was incarcerated all those years ago, program, it’s not only about song- often with tears filling their eyes. as broken and despairing then as writing. It’s called “Redemption Then one day, Shreeti invited many of them were feeling that day. Songs” for a reason. Sheriff Hall, telling us, “He’s got to And he inspired them, serving as the embodiment of hope of a new life. In the first class, we talk about see this. Period. And if you think the definition of “redeem.” It is a we’re passionate, wait till you meet As he sang songs about flying simple one that can be understood him.” She was right. And it changed away on the wings of true freedom, by all: “To bring something good our whole game. a flock of geese soared over the out of something bad.” It’s not about inmates’ heads and we watched in pretending the bad didn’t happen Only in Nashville awe as this divine moment played (whether by their own choices or the One of Sheriff Hall’s favorite say- out; we couldn’t plan it better if we adverse experiences that led them to ings is “Only in Nashville,” and it’s tried. this place), but about believing that true. For example, a former felon can Shortly after that day, we sat in in spite of—and maybe even because get a record deal and become a coun- Sheriff Hall’s office where he began of—those experiences, something try music star. That’s exactly what to ask us to envision expanding good can still come from their lives. happened years ago to a talented but Redemption Songs from a once- I share with them my family’s addicted songwriter-artist named per-month program to a weekly story, my father’s redemption, and Jeff Bates. Jeff now takes his musical format, serving triple the amount of how I used my experiences to create platform across the country to share inmates we had previously served. The Beat of Life.

12 | JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2019 AMERICANJails touring to join us on our big September concert “Tears on the Church Room Floor” day—and spent at least written by Quincy, Sean Fuller, five hours loading in, and Billy Dawson setting up, tearing down, and loading back out his Verse 1 drum kit—all so he could Wrong place at the right time blow us away with the On the dark side of daylight program’s very first drum show. One mistake a lightning strike But that wasn’t all he did. The sound of a gavel done gave me life Sean came to the program My life wasn’t always bad on the same day that Quincy I wish I could take you back would be performing his song. Back before the world crashed We were especially excited down on me because Sean oversees his own When my Mom dropped us at the inspirational program called skating rink As Lori Dixon (fellow program “Faith Goals Life.” In his program, facilitator), the team of songwrit- he speaks to at-risk populations on Right now I’m seeing bars ers, and I get to know the inmates such topics as bouncing back from But someday I’ll be seeing stars through our expanded program, we failure, developing good character, hear their heart-wrenching stories. and understanding what ultimately Chorus However, the inmates also tell us matters most in life. We also knew God please have sweet mercy on me that matching Sean with Q would they feel safe in this place. They can Yeah every night my knees bleed share things that they otherwise may give Quincy a peek into his dream- Praying forgiveness and hoping not have shared with anyone. And speaking gig. you’re listening Lord we tell them after the first week that Because Sean was new to our Heaven knows this ain’t my home songwriting is actually just a tool program, we partnered him with and method to get them to think The Beat of Life’s Artist-Songwriter I feel it deep down in my bones and feel differently about what has Ambassador, Billy Dawson, a Been hurting and cursing and landed them in this place. Because, veteran of Redemption Songs and fighting an inside war after all, that’s what music does. one of the most popular talents in Now I’m pouring my heart out like We tell them that they get to town as a songwriter, artist, and tears on a church room floor music producer. We knew between rewrite their story—or write the Source: Reprinted with permission next chapter and ending—and Quincy’s gut-wrenching story, Sean’s from Billy Dawson, Sean Fuller, Quincy they can do that through song. We background, and Billy’s songwriting Sharpe. Publisher: Billy Dawsongs play songs for them, like Michael prowess, this trio would be a winning (BMI), Sean Fuller Songs (BMI). Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror,” and combination for the next hit song © copyright 2018. To purchase this song, visit www.thebeattolife.org. the inmates sing along to every line coming out of a correctional facil- as it fills them with the determina- ity. However, we weren’t expecting tion they need to write their own “Tears on the Church Room Floor. ” redemption song. After Sean shared a powerful Earlier that day, he had defended message to the inmates, the trio his fellow inmates’ sometimes oppo- sitional behavior. He said, “They Drummer in Jail performed their song as part of the don’t want to act that way. It’s an We’re lucky here in Nashville. It’s concert event—one of the most emo- image. There’s a culture, a code in not every correctional facility that tionally charged moments of the day. here. They don’t want to seem weak. can easily pull away the drummer Then Quincy stood before the micro- But they don’t want to act that way, of a famous country music act from phone and practiced his dream. We believe me. ” a heavy touring schedule just to pop watched with pride as he spoke to in for a day. Not only does that sort an audience filled with both young And this vibrant inmate who of thing happen, but there are also and old offenders. A large group of was once sentenced to prison for huge-hearted folks who are willing to them appeared to be younger than life stood before them to give life enter the jail—and it involves more him, just past 18 years old—and to them. It was clear that no matter than a quick drop-in. they hung on Q’s words, which were where his incarcerated journey takes him, Quincy’s story has not ended. It Florida Georgia Line drummer spoken with candor, maturity, and a is very much still alive. Sean Fuller used his break from lack of care about jail culture.

AMERICANJails JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2019 | 13 All the Stories watch us walk to the program hall The success of our program has There were others that moved us in our signature “Music Can Save A led to a whole range of opportunities that day. For example, Jay was our Life” T-shirts, sometimes pulling a to continue and expand—through first inmate participant who wanted big red wagon of gear behind us. media/news stories, former inmates to play guitar for his song perfor- “There they are! Here comes The performing their songs at their mance. Prior to his incarceration, he Beat of Life wagon and those two shows across the country, radio had been a guitar player for 35 years girls!” they say to one another, mak- interviews, songs getting pitched on “the outs,” never really writing ing us smile and laugh. We’re get- places, and even a recently released songs but playing shows and loving ting quite the reputation in the jail. music video. the joy of the instrument. I handed As we walk to the program hall, With powerhouse song titles like him my own guitar, and he told us we pass by hundreds of inmates “Hear Our Cries,” we have a strong that for a moment he felt like this who want to be part of the program. feeling that our next world anthems was just normal life again—so much We wish we could take them all, but just might come from the most so that he kicked off his jail clogs it spurs us on to continue what we unlikely of places.  and gave us a chilling rendition of do and to find new ways to expand “Knocking on Heaven’s Door” in his the program. bare feet. Marsha Travis, the DCSO Director A social worker and songwriter/ There was also Joshua, a talented musician, Jeni Dominelli is the CEO and of Standards, recently asked us young inmate who had used his Founder of The Beat of Life, a nonprofit during our last event what were incarcerated time to write a book. organization that creates therapeutic our favorite songs and stories. We songwriting programs for correctional He signed up to join the Redemption told her it was impossible to choose, facilities and a wide range of other Songs program to see if he could because at each program cycle we human service groups. She has a degree transfer his exceptional writing skills in sociology from the University of say to each other, “Now this was the to writing songs. Unfortunately, he San Diego and worked as a social best one!” was transferred to a different facility worker for a diverse range of human There was one anthem-type song, and social services organizations in before our concert day; however, San Diego and Nashville prior to found- that didn’t stop him from writing us however, that I think best describes ing The Beat of Life. A writer and public a six-page letter, filled with songs he the overall feeling when we listen speaker, she is currently working on her had written and telling us that the to each of the “redemption songs.” debut book, Redemption Song, a memoir “Beat of Life angels” had already Called “Hear Our Cries,” this song highlighting the backstory of the impor- expresses exactly how we feel each tant work to which she has dedicated changed his life. her life. For more information on The time we enter a correctional facility. Beat of Life, visit www.thebeatoflife.org. Like the inmates who are crying out The Beat Goes On Ms. Dominelli can be contacted at through song, we are just getting the [email protected]. The inmates now wait for us to chance to hear them and to let others arrive on the day of the class. They in the world do the same.

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