by: Bee Delores
Last Updated: May 28, 2024
7 min read
7 min read
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A ray of hope for people lost in the night, Jelly Roll ‘s voice vibrates through the shadows.
The way he blended pop-infused hip-hop, country, and rock into a raw and uplifting sound during the performance was evidence of his genre-bending brilliance.
With recent accomplishments like winning the ACM award for ‘ Music Event of the Year‘ with Lainey Wilson for their duet “ Save Me” and performing at the 59th annual Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards on May 16, Jelly Roll is making waves in the music industry.
He was once characterized by a web of drug addiction and street crime.
But he’s come out of the shadows, his music a mirror of his path to sobriety, mental health, and an affection that’s motivating a new generation of followers.
He gave it all up on stage during The Voice Season 25 finale, delivering his unheard song “ I Am Not OK” to an audience and a group of coaches who applauded gratefully.
Keep reading to know more about Jelly Roll’s journey from darkness to light!
Originally Jason DeFord, Jelly Roll was born in Antioch, Tennessee, on December 4, 1984.
He was early hooked on narcotics and criminal behavior growing up in a community defined by hunger and drug usage.
He was raised by his mother, who battled substance abuse and mental health problems after his parents divorced when he was a little child.
Early on in life, Jelly Roll endured trauma and turmoil. He became hooked on drugsquite fast after starting at the age of twelve.
He also turned to burglary and drug sales as illegal means of providing for his mother.
Numerous arrests and jail and prison terms followed from this, including an aggressive assault sentence in a federal prison.
Jelly Roll, for all his hard appearance, has talked openly about the suffering and weakness he experienced during this time.
He has stated that he frequently felt like he was “dying inside” and that his criminal activity and addiction were a means of coping with the pressure and trauma of his surroundings.
Later on in life, his difficult circumstances would have an impact on his music and message of redemption and optimism.
When Jelly Roll hit rock bottom in 2018, his path to recovery and mental health activism started.
His battles with addiction and grief had cost him his house, car, and family.
This setback ended up resulting in legal issues, financial devastation, and eventually the loss of the trust and loyalty of those closest to him.
He entered into rehab and started going to AA meetings, where he met people and support.
Using his platform to pass on awareness and decrease shame, Jelly Roll has been candid about his battles with addiction and mental health ever since.
Before the 2008 birth of Bailee Ann, Jelly Roll was wed to Felicia. His battles with darkness and addiction, however, damaged their bond and they finally filed for divorce.
Jelly Roll has kept contact with his daughter and has talked publicly about the worth of being an affectionate and encouraging father despite his prior faults.
He wed Bunnie Xo in 2016, who has been Bailee Ann’s encouraging stepmother.
Deception and separation among other difficulties in their marriage, they were persistent in improving their union and used their position to encourage openness and compassion in partnerships.
Here is the photo update of Jelly Roll showing gratitude and love for her wife on Valentine’s Day.
Through his campaigning and songs, Jelly Roll has stood out as a ray of light for others battling addiction and mental illness.
A committed following that connects with his message of healing and redemption has been motivated by his unfiltered honesty and vulnerability.
When Bailee , his daughter, was born in 2008,everything transformed for Jelly Roll.
Her birth is regarded by him as offering the drive he required to change his life and look for a better route.
His goal in pursuing music was to leave his criminal past behind and give his family a secure future.
Initially working with hip-hop, Jelly Roll finally switched to country music because he believed it better matched his storytelling approach and unvarnished, emotive lyrics.
In 2021, he put out his debut record, “ Ballad of the Broken,” which garnered him both critical and popular praise.
When “ Son of a Sinner ,” his breakthrough single, went on sale in 2022, it struck a chord with listeners from many backgrounds.
His victory with the song shot him to fame in country music, and he has since put out several hit albums and singles , such as “ Need a Favor” and “ Save Me”
These very personal songs of Jelly Roll typically portray his battles with mental illness, addiction, and his past.
His unfailing sincerity and empathy have won him admiration and contributed to his loyal fan following.
He still tours and puts out new music, motivating a great deal of people with his tale of hope and repentance.
Giving back and philanthropy are essential elements of Jelly Roll’s identity as a person and an artist.
He is dedicating himself to using his position to improve his neighborhood and the world.
Using his association with the nonprofit “Music for a Mission,” Jelly Roll has put on several benefit concerts, earning funds and publicity for resources and musical therapy programs for those suffering from addiction and mental illness.
Beyond only his musical career, Jelly Roll has been active in several volunteering initiatives, such as paying hospital and rehabilitation center patient visits.
Using his position to spread knowledge and lessen the stigma around these major issues, he has spoken his story and given words of support to people battling alcoholism and mental health problems.
Among his many charitable endeavors are donations to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Also, a concert for charity for the Nashville Rescue Mission in 2022that raised over $100,000.
Lover of hiking, biking, horror movies, cats and camping. Writer at Wide Open Country, Holler and Nashville Gab.
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