Today, U.S. District Judge James Zagel upheld Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s 14-year federal prison sentence, despite the fact that Blago has “become a new person” in prison. Unfortunately, his personal growth isn’t enough to warrant an early release in the court’s eyes.
But yes, Gov. Blagojevich has changed: he’s gone from Governor of Illinois to prison rock star.
Of course, we all change when we let music into our hearts. Since his 2011 sentencing, Gov. Blagojevich formed a band in prison called the Jailhouse Rockers, featuring the disgraced governor on lead vocals. The name takes inspiration from Elvis Presley’s 1957 hit, “Jailhouse Rock.” Apparently Gov. Blagojevich is a big Elvis fan, which, sure.
Unfortunately, freedom was the Jailhouse Rockers’ Yoko, as the guitarist’s release prompted the band’s dissolution.
Blago has also, reportedly, been teaching classes on American history, giving job interview tips and is, according to fellow inmates, an all-around good guy to be locked up with.
As you may recall, the once-governor was courting deals to exchange President Obama’s U.S. Senate seat for big, whoppin’ piles of cash. The ex-politician was initially sentenced in 2011.
Perhaps, one day, we’ll see Blago belting his heart out on stage at Lollapalooza, which by then will probably be a seven-day festival.