Jelly Roll is an American multi-genre singer/songwriter who has been making waves in the country music scene with his heartfelt and honest songs. Born Jason Bradley DeFord in 1984, Jelly Roll grew up in the Antioch neighborhood of Nashville, Tennessee, where he faced many challenges and struggles. He started his musical career in hip hop, inspired by artists like Three 6 Mafia, UGK, and 8Ball & MJG. He released several mixtapes and albums, collaborating with rappers like Lil Wyte, Struggle Jennings, Haystak, and Tech N9ne.
In 2021, Jelly Roll made his debut in country music with his album Ballads of the Broken, which showcased his versatility and talent as a singer and songwriter. The album featured songs that blended country, rock, and rap influences, such as "Son of a Sinner", "Dead Man Walking", and "Save Me". The album received critical acclaim and commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and number two on the Billboard Top Rock Albums chart. "Son of a Sinner" also became Jelly Roll's first number-one song on Country radio and won him three CMT Music Awards in 2023.
Jelly Roll's latest album, Whitsitt Chapel, was released on June 2, 2023, and marked his first full-length country album. The album was named after the church he attended as a child in Antioch, Tennessee, which influenced his songs about sin and redemption. The album featured collaborations with Brantley Gilbert, Struggle Jennings, Yelawolf, and Lainey Wilson . The album received rave reviews from critics and fans alike, who praised Jelly Roll's diverse styles, authentic lyrics, and powerful voice . The album also spawned two hit singles, "Need a Favor" and "Save Me" (Remix) with Wilson , which reached the top 10 on both the Country and Mainstream Rock charts.
Jelly Roll has been praised for his authentic and relatable lyrics, which touch on themes like addiction, redemption, faith, family, and love. He has also been recognized for his powerful and soulful voice, which can convey a range of emotions and moods. He has performed at venues like the Grand Ole Opry, where he was invited by Craig Morgan in 2022, and the Bridgestone Arena, where he sold out a show to 15,000 fans in 2022. He has also collaborated with other country artists like Chris Young, Sam Hunt, Riley Green, and Ernest.
Jelly Roll is one of the most exciting and innovative artists in country music today. He is not afraid to experiment with different genres and styles, while staying true to his roots and identity. He is a storyteller who can connect with his listeners on a deep level. He is a long-haired son of a sinner who has found his way to the light through music.