Jelly Roll – A Journey from Struggles to Success.

Jelly Roll is a famous artist who became popular for his hit songs “Need a Favor” and “Son of a Sinner.” He controls his hilarious background to become a renowned musician and advocate. His passion is to mix rap, country, and rock. His story inspires fans worldwide.

Basic Information

Real Name	Jason Bradley DeFord
Nick Name	Jelly Roll
Born	December 4, 1984
Age	40 years old (as of January 2025)
Birthplace	Antioch Nashville, Tennessee, US
Religion	Christianity
Zodiac sign	Sagittarius
Occupation	Musician, Rapper
Nationality	American
Height	6 feet 1 inches
Weight	110Kg
Hair Color	Light Brown
Eyes Color	Dark Brown
Parents	Horace DeFord (father) Donna (Mother)
Children	Bailee ( Daughter) Noah Buddy DeFord (Son)
Wife	Alyssa DeFord
Net Worth	$12 Million

Early and Educational life

Jelly Roll’s real name is Jason Bradley DeFord. He was born on December 4, 1984, in Antioch, near Nashville, Tennessee. His father, named Horace DeFord, is a wholesale meat salesman and a bookie. His mother’s information remains private. She is familiar with Jason’s music and is inspired by George Strait and Garth Brooks.

Jason was the youngest of four children.  He has brothers, Roger and Scott, as well as a sister, Shelby. The family was shifted when his parents divorced. When Jelly was only 13y. After the divorce of his parents, they faced many financial problems. Jake decided to help with financial responsibilities to support his mother. He starts selling drugs, and the decision becomes a trouble in his life and becomes a criminal record.

Later, Jake wins a General Educational Development (GED) certificate. This makes a life-changing moment, joining the foundation.  After that, he became a musician and advocate.

Musical Journey: From Rap to Country

Jelly Roll began his career in 2003 by releasing mixtapes, starting with The Plain Shmear Tape. He followed this with the Gamblin’ on the White Boy series, which gained attention in the underground music scene. In 2010, he joined Memphis rapper Lil Wyte on “Pop Another Pill,” which attracted millions of views on YouTube. During this period, Jelly Roll worked with artists like Haystak, Struggle Jennings, and Tech N9ne, building his reputation in the Southern rap scene.

In 2013, he released Whiskey, Weed, & Women, a mixtape that initially faced legal threats from Waffle House for its title and logo use. This controversy brought additional attention to his work. Over the next few years, he produced several collaborative projects, including No Filter with Lil Wyte and the Waylon & Willie series with Struggle Jennings.

In 2020, Jelly Roll changed further into country music with “Save Me,” a deeply personal song. This highlighted his voice talent and emotions. The track resonated widely and made a life-changing moment in his career. In 2021, he joined BMG Nashville and released his first famous album, Ballads of the Broken.

His albums at the Grand Ole Opry in November 2021 made his place in the country music world. In 2022, he released the album Whitsitt Chapel, which became worldwide famous. Jelly Roll also released the popular album Beautifully Broken in October 2024, gaining fame with the hit single “I Am Not Okay,” which reached the Billboard No Top 5.

Jelly Roll join in major projects in the country documentary Rebel Country.  He also acted in the drama series Tulsa King. He made his show on Saturday Night Live in September 2024.

The Dark Chapter of Jelly Roll’s Youth

Jelly Roll’s life has been marked by a history of criminal activity in his youth. He was first arrested at 14 in a drug sale. He faced an aggravated robbery charge when he was 16 and served over a year in prison as an adult.

Jelly was arrested for the charge of Tennessee’s drug-free school zone act. This led to a conviction with intent to sell cocaine. Of this charge, he spends eight years in jail. Jelly Roll often speaks about how his criminal past impacted his life and music. He believes his struggles allowed him to connect deeply with his fans. Despite his early mistakes, he transformed his life and now uses his platform to inspire change.

Personal Life and Marriage

He married Bunnie XO in 2016. She supported his growth and played a key role in his personal and professional life. Jelly Roll shares a close bond with his children. He gained custody of his daughter Bailee with Bunnie’s help. They plan to expand their family through IVF.

Personal Transformation

The birth of his daughter Bailee in 2008 changed his life. He decided to turn away from crime and build a better future. He earned his GED in prison and began focusing on music.

Later, he contributed $250,000 to fund a recording studio in a juvenile detention center. His advocacy against fentanyl has reached Congress, where he testified in 2024. He committed himself to becoming part of the solution.

Advocacy and Social Impact

Jelly Roll uses his past to drive his advocacy work. He speaks openly about the impact of fentanyl and his struggles. He contributes to inspiring others facing similar challenges.

Jake donated to a juvenile detention center, reflecting his dedication to empowering youth. Jelly’s testimony in Congress highlighted his commitment to public awareness and legislative action.

Weight Loss and Personal Growth

Jelly Roll worked hard to overcome weight challenges. He shed over 70 pounds through diet and exercise. Jake completed a 5K race in 2024 and plans to achieve more fitness milestones. Roll’s encourages fans to pursue their transformations. His story inspires others to keep pushing forward.

Discography and Musical Evolution

Jelly Roll has released several hit albums, including Beautifully Broken in 2024. He blends rap, rock, and country to create a unique style. His collaborations with artists like Lainey Wilson showcase his versatility. Songs like “Save Me” and “Need a Favor” reflect his storytelling ability. These tracks highlight themes of pain, hope, and resilience.

Legacy and Future Prospects

Jelly Roll represents the underdog spirit. His journey from incarceration to Grammy nominations inspires fans and artists alike.

He plans to continue making music and advocating for social issues. His story shows that redemption is possible for anyone willing to fight for it.

Net Worth

Jelly Roll, whose real name is Jason DeFord, has a net worth of $12 million as of 2024, according to multiple sources. This wealth earn from his music career, live performances, and collaborations with top artists like Haystak, Struggle Jennings, Lil Wyte, and Tech N9ne.

Year	Net Worth