Exonerees Form Band to Process Trauma Through Music

Men who spent decades in prison for crimes they did not commit now share a stage, trading guitar riffs for the sounds of prison gates. The group, known as The Exoneree, performs as free men, using music to process the trauma of their wrongful convictions and to build a tight-knit brotherhood.

The band formed in 2011 at the Innocence Network’s annual conference, an event that gathers wrongfully convicted individuals from across the United States. What began as a casual jam session among musically inclined attendees evolved into a permanent musical unit. One band member described the group as a brotherhood of musicians who all endured the same experience of being wrongly accused.

The members live in different parts of the country but reunite to create music that serves as a form of therapy. For many, performing offers a way to tell their specific stories and cope with the loss of time spent behind bars. One member noted that sharing their story through music acts as a therapeutic release for the group.

Each performer carries a distinct case history. Ted Bradford and Eddie Lowry were both wrongly convicted of rape. Bradford recalled his disbelief at the accusations, stating he could not believe they were charging him with something he could never do. Donovan Allen was convicted of murdering his mother, a crime that removed his youth and freedom. Allen shared that his mother was killed one week before his 19th birthday and that he remained inside prison from age 19 until nearly 35.

Collectively, the band members lost decades of their lives before DNA evidence cleared their names. While they are grateful for their freedom, the impact of their incarceration remains deep. One member said no one deserves to see the things he was forced to witness during his time in prison. Rather than leaving the past behind, the group chooses to amplify their stories to send a message of resilience.

The Exoneree’s setlist includes cover songs with personal twists and original compositions. Fellow exoneree Amanda Knox has joined the group on stage for a special performance of “I Will Survive.” The band also writes original music that reflects their journeys. One member wrote a song called “My Cell,” which details life in a small prison cell. He recalled listening to music on headphones in that cell while dreaming of performing on stage, a dream he said was finally coming true.

At a recent performance for a packed audience of Innocence Network members, Ted Bradford debuted a new song titled “Innocent Man.” The track serves as a plea for justice. Its chorus asks, “Lord, why don’t you shine your light on me? Reveal the truth and help them see, for you know the truth will set you free.” The group does not seek mainstream fame, focusing instead on the purpose and voice they have found in their music.