Inmate Bernard Lee Wins Parole After Creating Prison Album ‘Freedom’

Bernard Lee, serving a life sentence for murder at Pennsylvania’s State Correctional Institution-Graterford, became a key figure in the Songs in the Key of Free album recorded by inmates. Launched in 2016 by professor August Tarrier, the initiative paired incarcerated musicians with volunteers from the Curtis Institute of Music, producing tracks such as “Freedom,” which features Lee’s bass alongside former friend Jamaaladeen Tacuma.

When Graterford closed in 2018, the program moved to outside studios, and Lee’s supporters, including fellow musicians, submitted letters to the parole board. Governor Josh Shapiro approved the parole, prompting an emotional reaction from Lee and a reunion with his centenarian mother. He now plans to attend upcoming performances with his collaborators and hopes to appear onstage soon.