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Attracted by Southern rappers such as Three 6 Mafia and UGK, Jelly Roll began writing his own rhymes. His mother (whose identity remains hidden from public view) gave him strength when he was released from jail.

Now he is an established country artist – fans are devouring his debut album, Whitsitt Chapel – but he hasn’t forgotten where he comes from either.

His Music

Jelly Roll is an internationally beloved artist known for his eclectic musical blend of rap, country and rock music as well as his charismatic megawatt personality and inspiring journey from an unstable childhood to become one of country music‘s top hits and arena headliner. Born Jason DeFord, he spent his youth living in Nashville’s Antioch neighborhood before spending some time at its juvenile detention center due to charges such as robbery and possessing drugs with intent to sell.

His deeply personal lyrics and music combine elements of old-school rap, classic rock, country, therapy and rawness that address life’s burdensome aspects. He’s collaborated with several artists such as Lil Wyte, Yelawolf, Tech N9ne and Ryan Upchurch.

He’s also an outspoken advocate for mental health and addiction recovery; in a 2023 Billboard interview he revealed how his wife Bunnie Xo helped him turn things around and gain custody of their daughter Bailee Ann. She often attends his shows and hosts the Dumb Blonde podcast.

His Personal Life

Jelly Roll has also used his musical career to work with at-risk youth in Nashville and bring awareness of the fentanyl crisis. Additionally, he’s a proud family man: in 2016, he married Bunnie XO who regularly attends his shows as well as hosting her own podcast called Dumb Blonde.

Born Jason DeFord, the singer behind “Son of a Sinner” does not hide from his troubled past. He speaks openly about his drug use and imprisonment history – both things which contributed to an unstable childhood for himself and his daughter – but credits their mutual influence as being what motivated him to change his path and pursue music professionally.

Jelly Roll has stormed both country and rock charts in 2023 with songs like “Dead Man Walking” and “Save Me.” Not afraid to take risks and embrace an underdog identity, his music career has seen remarkable success and been awarded CMA New Artist of the Year and two Grammy nominations – proof enough of how successful Jelly Roll can be!

His Career

Jelly Roll has worked with some of the top names in country music. His song, “Son of a Sinner”, became No 1 both on rock and country charts. Not afraid to mix things up either; his album released with Nashville rapper Haystak entitled Strictly Business reached No 67 on the Rap Albums chart while Waylon & Willie, his rap-rock collaboration with Lil Wyte reached 17 in 2017.

He has been open about his difficult past, revealing how music helped turn it around. Bailee Ann features in the music video for “Tears Could Talk”, sometimes joining her father onstage during live shows. In 2015 at a Yelawolf concert he met and proposed to Bunnie Xo during her performance – now they share full custody of their daughter together and often discuss addiction and recovery at concerts with fans.

His Fans

Jelly Roll was originally known by his mother as Jason Bradley DeFord; however, his stage name came from being called a chubby child as a child. While starting off his musical career with hip hop and rock music genres such as hip-hop and rock n roll, now leaping into country with “Son of a Sinner” which reached number 1 on country charts; having also collaborated on songs with Brantley Gilbert and Ernest as co-writers.

Fans will notice that Jelly Roll is often covered with tattoos, particularly on his face. His first ever face tattoo was of a cross and teardrops done while in prison. Furthermore, his son Noah’s name can also be found carved onto one eyebrow.

Mr. White enjoys drinking whiskey and smoking weed – so much that in 2013 he used their names for his mixtape release entitled Whiskey, Weed & Waffle House. Unfortunately, however, Waffle House didn’t appreciate his antics and sent a cease and desist letter in response.