Jelly Roll, born Jason Bradley DeFord in 1984 in Nashville, Tennessee, has emerged as a significant figure in the music industry, particularly within the country genre. His journey from a troubled youth with a history of incarceration to a celebrated musician is notable for its depth and resilience. After a series of personal struggles, including addiction and crime, Jelly Roll found his passion for music as a means of self-expression and redemption.
His breakthrough came with the release of “Save Me” in 2020, which showcased his ability to blend heartfelt lyrics with a country sound, marking a departure from his earlier rap career. This song resonated deeply with audiences, leading to widespread recognition and ultimately paving the way for his debut at the Grand Ole Opry in November 2021. Since then, he has released multiple successful albums, including Ballads of the Broken (2021) and Whitsitt Chapel (2023), both of which have topped the charts and solidified his status as a crossover artist between rap and country music.
| Personal Information | Details | |
| Full Name | Jason Bradley DeFord |  |
| Stage Name | Jelly Roll | |
| Date of Birth | December 4, 1984 | |
| Age | 39 years old (as of 2024) | |
| Birthplace | Antioch, Nashville, Tennessee, United States | |
| Height | 5 feet 7 inches | |
| Weight | 290 pounds (132 kg) | |
| Zodiac Sign | Sagittarius |  |
| Nationality | American | |
| Profession | Singer, Rapper, Songwriter | |
| Notable Genres | Country, Rap, Rock | |
| Marital Status | Married | |
| Spouse | Bunnie Xo |  |
| Children | Bailee and Noah Buddy DeFord | |
| Instagram, Twitter | jellyroll615 |
Birthplace, Family, and Early Influences
Jason Bradley grew up in the Antioch neighborhood of the city, which is known for its diverse community but also its challenges. His family life was tumultuous; his father, Horace “Buddy” DeFord, operated a wholesale meat business and had a side job as a bookie, while his mother struggled with drug addiction and mental health issues. This background significantly influenced Jelly Roll’s upbringing and perspective on life.
From a young age, Jelly Roll was exposed to various music genres through his mother, who introduced him to artists like George Strait and Garth Brooks. This early exposure laid the foundation for his appreciation of storytelling in music. He was nicknamed “Jelly Roll” as a child due to his chubby physique, a name that has stuck with him throughout his life
Struggles with Upbringing and Personal Challenges
Jelly Roll’s childhood was marked by significant hardships. His parents divorced when he was 13, leading him to feel responsible for supporting his mother. This responsibility pushed him into a life of crime; he began selling drugs as a means of survival. By the time he was 14, he had already been incarcerated for the first time, beginning a cycle of arrests that would continue throughout his teenage years.
He faced numerous personal challenges, including substance abuse issues that plagued him during his formative years. Despite these struggles, Jelly Roll found solace in music, which became an outlet for his emotions and experiences. He started writing rap songs around the age of 9 or 10 and began distributing mixtapes while still in high school.
Early Exposure to Music and Hip-Hop Culture
Jelly Roll’s initial foray into music began with hip-hop. Influenced by artists like Three 6 Mafia and other Southern hip-hop icons, he released his first project in 2003. His early works reflected the gritty realities of his life experiences, often addressing themes of addiction and hardship.
His dedication to music intensified during his time in prison; he wrote extensively while incarcerated and used music as a means to cope with his circumstances. The birth of his daughter in 2008 served as a pivotal moment for him, prompting a desire to change his life trajectory and pursue music more seriously upon his release in 2009.
Jelly Roll’s Net Worth 2024
Jelly Roll’s net worth is $12 million.
This discrepancy arises from different sources reporting varying figures, with some attributing his wealth to his rapid rise in the music industry and others considering the limitations imposed by his past legal issues.
Notable awards and Nominations
| Category | Details |
| Notable Awards | – 2023 CMT Music Awards: Nominated for “Breakthrough Male Video of the Year” for “Son of a Sinner”. – 2023 Billboard Music Awards: Nominated for Top Country Song for “Son of a Sinner”. – 2023 iHeartRadio Music Awards: Nominated for Best New Country Artist. |
| Career Milestones | – 2020: Breakthrough single “Save Me” released, gaining wide acclaim. – 2021: Debuted at the Grand Ole Opry, marking a significant moment in his career. – 2021: Released Ballads of the Broken, which topped charts and solidified his crossover appeal. – 2023: Released Whitsitt Chapel, debuting at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Rock & Alternative Albums chart. |
| Fan and Industry Accolades | – Over 1 billion streams across platforms, showcasing immense popularity. – Strong social media following, with millions of fans engaging with his content. – Recognition as a voice for authenticity in music, resonating with fans facing similar struggles. |
Sources of Income
Jelly Roll’s income stems from multiple avenues, which include:
- Music Sales: Jelly Roll songs particularly Ballads of the Broken and Whitsitt Chapel, have performed well commercially. Whitsitt Chapel debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Rock & Alternative Albums chart, contributing significantly to his earnings through both physical and digital sales.
- Tours and Live Performances: Touring is a major source of income for Jelly Roll singer. His concerts often sell out, with ticket prices ranging significantly, contributing to substantial revenue. Estimates suggest he earns around $1 million per year from touring activities alone.
- Streaming Royalties: With a strong presence on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, Jelly Roll benefits from streaming royalties. His ranking among top-streamed artists indicates that these royalties form a significant part of his income stream.
- Endorsements and Sponsorships: As his popularity has grown, so have opportunities for brand partnerships and endorsements, although specific details on these deals are less publicly available.
Business Ventures and Investments
Jelly Roll has also ventured into real estate, recently purchasing a 500-acre property in Nashville, fulfilling a long-held dream and reflecting his commitment to his roots. This investment not only represents financial growth but also personal significance as he honors his family’s legacy.
Additionally, Jelly Roll has leveraged his platform through social media and YouTube, where he reportedly earns around $2 million annually, further diversifying his income sources.
FAQs
What is Jelly Roll’s net worth?
His is $12 million in 2024.
How did Jelly Roll transition from rap to other genres?
He began as a hip-hop artist and gradually incorporated country and rock elements, gaining recognition for his genre-blending style, particularly with his hit “Son of a Sinner.”
What are some of Jelly Roll’s most popular songs?
Notable songs include “Son of a Sinner,” “Save Me,” “Need a Favor,” and “I Am Not Okay.”
Has Jelly Roll won any major music awards?
Yes, he has won multiple CMT Music Awards, including Male Video of the Year for “Son of a Sinner,” and was named CMA’s New Artist of the Year in 2023.
How does Jelly Roll engage with fans and communities?
He actively uses social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to connect with fans, sharing personal stories and music updates.
What are Jelly Roll’s plans in music and beyond?
He plans to continue releasing music and touring, with upcoming projects like the album Beautifully Broken and performances at major events like New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash.
