Jelly Roll
Biography
Jason "Jelly Roll" DeFord is an American singer, songwriter, and rapper known for his blend of hip hop, country, and rock music. Born on December 4, 1984, in Nashville, Tennessee, he was raised in the Antioch neighborhood. His father was a meat salesman and bookie, while his mother struggled with mental illness and addiction. His early life was turbulent, marked by multiple incarcerations for various offenses, including aggravated robbery and drug-related charges, starting from the age of 14. It was during his time in jail that he discovered his passion for music, which became a transformative outlet.
Early Career in Hip Hop
Jelly Roll began his music career in 2003, initially focusing on hip hop. He was inspired by Southern rap acts like Three 6 Mafia and UGK and started by selling mixtapes out of his car. His 2010 collaboration with Memphis rapper Lil Wyte, "Pop Another Pill," gained significant traction on YouTube. He released a series of mixtapes and collaborative albums with artists like Haystak and Struggle Jennings, building a loyal underground following with his raw and honest lyrics that often detailed his personal struggles.
Transition to Country and Mainstream Breakthrough
Jelly Roll began to officially transition towards country music around 2021, a move that would launch him into the mainstream. His 2021 album, Ballads of the Broken, featured the rock radio No. 1 hit "Dead Man Walking" and his debut country single, "Son of a Sinner." The latter song became his first No. 1 on country radio and won three CMT Music Awards in 2023. His debut at the Grand Ole Opry in November 2021 further solidified his place in the country music scene.
Whitsitt Chapel and Major Success
His first full country record, Whitsitt Chapel, was released in June 2023 and became a massive success. It debuted in the top 3 on the Billboard 200 and was the biggest opening week for a debut country album in years. The album features hit singles "Need a Favor" and a duet version of his earlier song "Save Me" with Lainey Wilson. This success led to major awards, including the CMA Award for New Artist of the Year in 2023 and Grammy nominations for Best New Artist and Best Country Duo/Group Performance in 2024. His 2024 follow-up album, Beautifully Broken, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart.
Personal Life and Advocacy
Jelly Roll has been married to Bunnie XO (Alyssa DeFord) since 2016. He has two children from previous relationships: a daughter, Bailee, and a son, Noah. He is candid about his past, including his struggles with addiction and his time in prison. He uses his platform to advocate for change, testifying before the U.S. Congress in January 2024 in support of anti-fentanyl legislation. He is also involved in philanthropy, focusing on helping at-risk youth and those affected by the justice system. In 2024, he funded the opening of a music studio inside the Nashville Juvenile Detention Center, the same facility where he was once incarcerated.