Kramer headlines a star-studded fundraiser on Saturday for his Jail Guitar Doors foundation, which helps inmates build life skills by playing music.
celebrates 50 years since the Detroit protopunk greats released their landmark album “Kick Out the Jams.” But as the acclaimed guitarist gears up for the next leg of his “MC50” tour, he also marks a more sobering milestone: the four decades since he was released from federal prison for selling cocaine to undercover officers.
“Playing music in prison allowed me to process the pressure of life there,” Kramer, 71, recalls. “And it helped focus my thoughts on what was I going to do when I was released, and that I would hopefully be a better person.” His resolve endured. In 2009, Kramer founded the U.S. arm of Billy Bragg’s correctional music nonprofit, Jail Guitar Doors. Named for the Clash song about Kramer’s sentence, the L.A.-based organization provides music equipment and education to about 140 correctional facilities across the U.S. The nonprofit also enlists academics, music professionals and top-tier talents like Perry Farrell and Tom Morello to help inmates express themselves through forming bands, producing, rapping and more.
On Saturday, Kramer will helm Rock Out 5, a one-night-only fundraiser at the Ford Theatres benefiting Jail Guitar Doors. The all-star lineup features a performance by Moby and his band, plus sets from Benmont Tench of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, the Soledad Jazz Workshop and surprise guests. We spoke with Kramer from his home in L.A. about his legacy, the program’s impact and the power of playing music in prison.
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