Jelly Roll, born Jason DeFord on December 4, 1986, in Nashville, Tennessee, is not your typical musician. Transitioning from a successful career in hip-hop to country music in 2021, Jelly Roll has managed to captivate audiences with his unique blend of old-school rap, country, and classic rock.
In an interview at Tortuga Festival in 2022, Jelly Roll expressed his love for country music, stating, “I was born and raised in Nashville so [country music] is always second nature to me. It’s incredible.” This love for music transcends genres and has led him to release chart-topping hits like “Son of a Sinner” in 2021, which is regarded as one of his best songs ever released.
In January of 2024, Jelly Roll made headlines as he urged lawmakers to pass anti-fentanyl legislation, drawing on his own past struggles with substance abuse to help save lives. Speaking in front of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, he stated, “I was a part of the problem. I am here now, standing as a man that wants to be a part of the solution.”
Apart from his music career, Jelly Roll has also embarked on a fitness and weight loss journey, shedding over 70 pounds in preparation for the 2 Bears 5K with Bert Kreischer and Tom Segura. He attributes his success to dedication and hard work, stating, “I’m eating healthy right now.”
With numerous mixtapes and albums under his belt, including the successful release of his debut country album “Whitsitt Chapel” in 2023, Jelly Roll’s net worth is estimated at $4 million. His music career, online merchandise store, and YouTube channel have all contributed to his financial success.
Not just a talented musician, Jelly Roll is also a family man. He married Bunny Xo in 2016, and the couple has a daughter named Bailee and a son named Noah Buddy DeFord. Despite being in the limelight, Jelly Roll keeps his children away from social media platforms and the public eye.
In May 2023, Jelly Roll released a Hulu documentary titled “Save Me,” which sheds light on his struggles with addiction and mental health throughout his rise to fame. The documentary was well-received by viewers, with an 8.1 rating on IMDb and a 94 percent audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
