Who is Jelly Rolls?
Jason Bradley DeFord (born December 4, 1984), known professionally by his stage name Jelly Roll (sometimes stylized as JellyRoll), is an American rapper and multi-genre singer/songwriter. In 2023, he won three CMT Music Awards for the song “Son of a Sinner”.[5]
At 39 Jelly Roll won the Best new artist award at CMA Awards, here’s his inspiring journey to success.
“There is something poetic about a 39-year-old man winning new artist of the year,” Jelly Roll said from the stage after winning best new artist.. “What’s in front of you is so much more important than what’s behind you.”
Jelly Roll got pretty emotional when he snagged that Best New Artist award at the CMA Awards. His voice was all filled with thanks and motivation as he gave props to his fam, buddies, and fans for having his back. Knowing him, he’d probably talk about how music has this amazing ability to heal and bring people together. And you can bet he’d share some stories about the journey that brought him to this point of getting recognized and applauded.
‘I wanna tell you keep going baby, I wanna tell you success is on the other side’, he shouted from the stage to an audience who couldn’t hide behind their smile and tears and stood up for a round of applause.
Jelly Roll has everyone ready to run through a brick wall
— Barstool Backstage (@StoolBackstage) November 9, 2023
Jelly Roll, aka Jason DeFord, has made a unique mark in country music with his genuine and emotional lyrics. His path to the CMA Awards stage wasn’t the usual route, driven by his strong independent spirit and a fan connection built beyond the usual music industry boundaries.
Jelly Roll built his following one fan at a time and shares his life’s ups and downs through his music and social media. He has created a bond with listeners who found their own stories in his lyrics. He blends country, rock, and hip-hop, Jelly Roll’s musical journey is a testament to resilience and redemption.
Jelly Roll kicked off his career in the rap scene of Nashville, Tennessee, specifically Antioch. Renowned for his impressive freestyling skills and knack for storytelling, he made a name for himself. His music delves into themes like pain, recovery, and hope, striking a chord with fans from various musical backgrounds. Through his songs, Jelly Roll opens up about his personal struggles with addiction and encounters with the law.