Jelly Roll
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About Jelly Roll
Jelly Roll (born Jason DeFord in 1984) is an American singer-songwriter and rapper whose genre-blending style combines Southern hip-hop with country, rock, and soul influences. Raised in the Antioch neighbourhood of Nashville, Tennessee, he began his music career in the early 2000s, initially gaining traction in the underground rap scene, self-releasing albums and sharing his music on YouTube. He transitioned into a broader crossover sound in the 2010s, eventually shifting to country in 2021 with the album Ballads of the Broken.
Jelly Roll first broke into the Billboard Hot 100 chart with the 2023 single ‘Son of a Sinner’ (No. 31). He has since achieved top 20 success with ‘Need A Favor’, ‘I Am Not Okay’, and ‘Save Me’. His 2023 album Whitsitt Chapel debuted at No.3 on the Billboard 200 and his 2024 album Beautifully Broken became Jelly Roll's first US No.1 album. Known for his raw, emotionally candid lyrics, Jelly Roll often writes about addiction, redemption, and mental health - subjects drawn from personal experience.
Jelly Roll continues to tour across the US and regularly appears at major festivals and award shows. His rise marks a notable shift in the boundaries of country music, with a sound and story that resonate far beyond genre lines.
When was Jelly Roll born?
Jelly Roll was born December 4, 1984, in Nashville, Tennessee.
Why is he called Jelly Roll?
Jelly Roll’s mother gave him his nickname (and now stage name) because he was a “chubby kid.” He now prefers friends simply call him Jelly. “Delete the Roll, man,” he said.
Who inspired Jelly Roll’s music?
He was inspired by Southern rap pioneers such as Three 6 Mafia, UGK, and 8Ball & MJG.
Has Jelly Roll collaborated with other artists?
He has worked with artists across hip-hop and country including Lil Wyte, Haystak, Craig Morgan, Jessie Murph, Cody Johnson, Yelawolf, Brantley Gilbert, and Lainey Wilson.
