Jelly Roll: The Journey of a Son of a Sinner


  • Early Life and Struggles

  1. Jason Bradley DeFord, better known by his stage name Jelly Roll, hails from the vibrant city of Antioch, Tennessee. His life story is one of resilience, overcoming adversity, and finding his unique voice in the music industry.
  2. Jelly Roll’s upbringing was far from ordinary. His father worked as a meat salesman and dabbled in bookmaking, while his mother battled mental illness and addiction. Growing up in the Antioch neighborhood of Nashville, Jelly Roll faced challenges that would shape his artistry.
  3. At the tender age of 14, Jelly Roll found himself on the wrong side of the law. He and several others were arrested for possession of marijuana and attempted robbery. These early struggles would later fuel his music, providing raw material for his lyrics.

  • Hip-Hop Roots and Mixtape Hustle

  1. Before his transition into country music, Jelly Roll cut his teeth in the world of hip-hop. Inspired by legendary acts like Three 6 Mafia, UGK, and 8Ball & MJG, he began selling mixtapes out of his car. His journey started with “The Plain Shmear Tape” in 2003, followed by the four-part “Gamblin’ on the White Boy” series from 2004 to 2011.
  2. One of Jelly Roll’s breakout moments came with the collaboration “Pop Another Pill” alongside Memphis rapper Lil Wyte, which garnered over 6.3 million YouTube views. This success led to his involvement with the hip-hop group SNO and their album Year Round.

  • Whiskey, Weed, & Women (and a Waffle House)

In 2013, Jelly Roll dropped a mixtape titled “Whiskey, Weed, & Women” (originally named “Whiskey, Weed, & Waffle House”). However, the restaurant chain Waffle House objected to the use of their name and logo on the cover. The solution? Jelly Roll replaced the logo with a bold “cease and desist” stamp, turning a legal challenge into a creative statement.

  • Country Music Emergence

  1. Jelly Roll’s journey took an unexpected turn when he stepped into the world of country music. His distinctive blend of country, rap, and rock caught the attention of audiences and industry insiders alike. Notably, he made his Grand Ole Opry debut in November 2021, a milestone for any artist.
  2. His singles “Need a Favor” (2023) and “Son of a Sinner” (2021) propelled him into the mainstream. The latter track, written by Jelly Roll himself, Ernest, and David Ray Stevens, earned him three CMT Music Awards and a Grammy Award nomination for Best New Artist.

  • From the Opry to Rock Radio

  1. In July 2022, country singer Craig Morgan invited Jelly Roll to join him on stage at the Opry, where they performed “Almost Home.” And in May 2022, Jelly Roll achieved his first number-one hit on rock radio with the track “Dead Man Walking.”
  2. But perhaps the most significant milestone was when Jelly Roll’s debut country single, “Son of a Sinner,” topped the country radio charts in January 2023. His gritty storytelling and emotional authenticity resonated with listeners, solidifying his place in the country music scene.
  3. Jelly Roll’s journey continues, and his music remains a testament to the power of resilience, redemption, and creative expression. Whether he’s rapping or crooning, he’s a true son of a sinner who wears his heart on his sleeve and leaves an indelible mark on the music world.