Singer-songwriter Jelly Roll is famous for songs like “Son of a Sinner,” “Save Me,” and “Need a Favor.” He is proud of his underdog story. Jelly Roll faced a tough childhood and young adult life. He spent time in prison and struggled with drug addiction. These experiences inspire many of his popular songs.
He began his career in rap and hip-hop but is now a rising star in country music. In November 2023, he won the CMA’s New Artist of the Year award. Jelly Roll released his new album, Beautifully Broken, in October.
Quick Facts About Jelly Roll
| Real Name | Jason DeFord |
| Birth Date | December 4, 1986 |
| Birthplace | Nashville, Tennessee |
| Genres | Country, Hip Hop, Rock |
| Debut Album | The Big Gate Theory (2019) |
| Popular Songs | “Son of a Sinner,” “Need a Favor,” “Save Me” |
| Record Label | Broken Bow Records |
| Notable Collaborations | Collaborated with artists like Miranda Lambert and Lil Durk |
| Awards | Nominated for several Billboard Music Awards |
| Social Media Presence | Active on platforms like Instagram and TikTok |
Where Is Jelly Roll From?
- Real Name: Jason Bradley DeFord
- Birthdate: December 4, 1984
- Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee
- Neighborhood: Grew up in Antioch, a Nashville suburb
Family Background
- Father: Horace “Buddy” DeFord, ran a wholesale meat business and was a bookie.
- Siblings: Has three older half-siblings: brothers Roger and Scott, and sister Shelby.
Nickname
- Origin: His mother gave him the nickname “Jelly Roll” because he was a “chubby kid.”
- Preference: In 2024, he expressed a desire to be called just “Jelly,” saying, “Delete the Roll, man.”
Musical Inspiration
- Influence: His mother inspired his love for music and storytelling. She enjoyed artists like George Strait and Garth Brooks.
- First Song: Jelly Roll wrote his first rap song at around 9 or 10 years old.
- Goal: He wanted to create music that evoked feelings similar to those his mother experienced when listening to music.
- Early Career: By eighth grade, he was distributing mixtapes in a high school parking lot.
Prison and Drug Addiction
Jelly Roll was arrested for the first time at age 14. He revealed in the 2023 documentary Jelly Roll: Save Me that he went to jail 40 times for various offenses.
Serious Charges
At 16, he was charged as an adult with aggravated robbery and faced up to 20 years in prison. He served just over a year in jail and received more than seven years of probation. Jelly Roll felt the system pushed him onto a fixed path, saying, “I hadn’t hit my last growth spurt.” Due to Tennessee’s strict laws, this charge is still on his record. He cannot vote, volunteer, or own a firearm.
Substance Abuse
- Jelly Roll struggled with substance abuse, including cough syrup, Xanax, and cocaine.
- Now, he visits rehab centers to educate and inspire those dealing with addiction.
Life Change
Jelly Roll was in prison for drug dealing when he learned he became a father on May 22, 2008. The birth of his daughter, Bailee, inspired him to change his life. He described it as a “Damascus Road experience.”
Music Career
- Jelly Roll and Struggle Jennings released four albums together from 2017 to 2020.
- From 2010 to 2015, Jelly Roll lived in a van while pursuing music.
- After prison, he uploaded a YouTube video called “10 Minute Freestyle.” It featured him rapping about his past.
- The video caught the eye of rapper Lil Wyte, who wanted to work with him for the 2011 album Year Round.
- Jelly Roll, Lil Wyte, and BPZ formed a group called SNO for the album.
- Jelly Roll credits Wyte for recognizing his singing talent, saying, “That’s what you need to do.”
- In 2011, his album Strictly Business with Haystak reached No. 67 on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.
- He collaborated with Lil Wyte again for No Filter in 2013, which hit No. 17 on the Top Rap Albums chart.
- In 2017, he teamed up with Struggle Jennings for the album Waylon & Willie, named after Jennings’ step-grandfather.
- Jelly Roll sang on the albums but was hesitant to take the lead. This changed with one of his hit songs.
Wife and Children
Jelly Roll met model Bunnie Xo after a concert in Las Vegas in 2015. He proposed to Bunnie at a concert on August 31, 2016, and they married at a nearby courthouse that night.
Bunnie revealed in a TikTok that they split in 2018 but reconnected during a trip to Colorado. Bunnie has hosted the popular Dumb Blonde podcast since 2019, contributing to their family life.
Jelly Roll has two children: a daughter, Bailee Ann, and a son, Noah, from different relationships. He learned of Bailee’s birth while in prison and met her for the first time on her second birthday in 2010.
Bailee’s mother, Felicia, initially limited his visits until he could be consistent in her life. Bunnie helped Jelly Roll gain custody of Bailee after Felicia struggled with addiction and went to prison.
Despite challenges, they all maintain friendly relations. Bunnie invited Felicia to appear on her podcast in 2020. Now a teenager, Bailee is a singer and songwriter like her dad. She appears in Jelly Roll’s music video “Tears Could Talk.”
Weight Loss
Jelly Roll has been open about his weight issues, weighing over 500 pounds in 2015. He made lifestyle changes in 2016 and lost 200 pounds but later gained back 60 pounds.
Jelly Roll expressed his desire to enjoy life, wanting to skydive, bungee jump, and ride roller coasters. In February 2024, he started training for his first 5K race and lost over 70 pounds by April.
He aims to lose another 100 pounds, running two to three miles daily, four to six days a week. Jelly Roll also uses the sauna and focuses on eating healthier. He completed the 5K in May 2024 and plans to run a half marathon next year.
Net Worth
As of September 2024, Jelly Roll’s net worth is about $12 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
FAQs
What happened to Jelly Roll in prison?
Jelly Roll was first arrested at 14 and went to jail 40 times, facing serious charges like aggravated robbery.
How old is Jelly Roll?
Jelly Roll was born on December 4, 1984, making him 39 years old as of now.
What is Jelly Roll’s real name?
Jelly Roll’s real name is Jason Bradley DeFord.
Where is Jelly Roll from?
Jelly Roll is from Nashville, Tennessee, where he grew up in the Antioch neighborhood.
What is Jelly Roll’s net worth in 2024?
Jelly Roll’s net worth is estimated to be around $12 million as of September 2024.