Jason Bradley DeFord, known as Jelly Roll, is an American country rapper and singer born on December 4, 1984, in Nashville, Tennessee.
He gained fame with hits like Son of a Sinner and Need a Favor, earning accolades such as the CMA’s New Artist of the Year in 2023 and nominations for the Grammy Awards.
Roll’s music often reflects his tumultuous past, including struggles with addiction and incarceration, which he overcame to pursue his musical career.
His latest album, Beautifully Broken, was released in October 2023.
Parents
Roll is the son of Horace “Buddy” DeFord and Donna DeFord.
His father, Buddy, who passed away from cancer in 2019, was a businessman in the meatpacking industry and also worked as a bookie.
Roll’s mother, Donna, played a significant role in nurturing his love for music during his childhood.
The couple divorced when Roll was 13, which deeply impacted him and contributed to his struggles with addiction.
Early career
Roll began his music career in the early 2000s, releasing a series of mixtapes that showcased his talent in Southern hip-hop.
His early work was characterized by collaborations with various artists, including Lil Wyte and Haystak.
A significant breakthrough came in 2010 with the release of the track Pop Another Pill, which became a hit in the underground rap scene.
The song’s themes of addiction and personal struggle resonated deeply with listeners, reflecting Jelly Roll’s own life experiences and challenges.
As he continued to build his reputation in the hip-hop community, Roll released the collaborative album Year Round with Lil Wyte in 2010.
This project further solidified his presence in the genre and showcased his ability to blend storytelling with catchy hooks.However, it was his transition to country music that marked a pivotal moment in his career.
In 2020, he released Save Me, a heartfelt song that addressed his struggles with addiction and mental health.
This track resonated widely, garnering millions of views on platforms like YouTube and opening doors for him in the country music scene.
Later career
Roll’s rising popularity was evident with the release of his 2021 album Ballads of the Broken.
This album featured several tracks that blended elements of country, rock, and hip-hop, including hits like Son of a Sinner and Dead Man Walking.
These songs received critical acclaim and commercial success, showcasing his unique style and emotional depth.
His ability to connect with audiences through relatable lyrics earned him nominations and awards at various music events, including the CMT Music Awards.
In 2023, Roll received Grammy nominations for his work, further solidifying his status as a prominent figure in both country and hip-hop music.
His most recent album, Beautifully Broken, released in October 2023, features a mix of new tracks that continue to explore themes of redemption, love, and resilience.
In addition to his recording success, Roll has gained recognition for his live performances.
His concerts are known for their energy and emotional connection with fans, often featuring personal stories that resonate deeply with audiences.
Awards
Roll has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, particularly highlighting his recent achievements.
At the 2024 CMT Music Awards, he emerged as the night’s biggest winner, taking home three prestigious awards: Video of the Year, Male Video of the Year, and CMT Performance of the Year, all for his hit song “Need a Favor.”
This marked the second consecutive year he won Male Video of the Year, showcasing his continued prominence in the country music scene.
In addition to his CMT successes, Roll has been recognized at various other award shows, including nominations for Grammy Awards.
