Jelly Roll, born Jason DeFord on December 4, 1984, has a story like no other.
From a troubled past marked by addiction, crime, and time spent behind bars to becoming one of the most celebrated artists in modern music, Jelly Roll’s journey is nothing short of wild.
His diverse music catalogue spans rap, country, and rock, captivating audiences with his raw honesty and ability to cross genres like he’s changing shirts.
From Darkness to Light: Jelly Roll’s Journey
Jelly Roll didn’t just stumble into success—he crawled through the mud, made a few bad choices, and somehow came out shining.
Before the fame, there was a cycle of bad decisions: drugs, dealing, and multiple jail stints.
During his time in Nashville’s Metro-Davidson County Detention Facility, he found a lifeline in music.
“There was a time in my life where I truly thought… this was it,” he said, reflecting on those bleak moments.
Music was the rope he grabbed onto when everything else seemed out of reach.
His grit and determination turned him into a symbol of hope—not just for himself but for anyone who feels stuck.
After being released from prison at 24, Jelly Roll went after a career in music that most people said he couldn’t have.
His 2020 independent release, Self Medicated, blew up, and suddenly, Jelly Roll wasn’t just a name—he was a movement.
“For lack of a better word, [the song] ‘Save Me’ went viral,” he shared, as if it was no big deal.
That track was the turning point, showing everyone his versatility and leading to major wins like Best New Artist at the 2023 CMA Awards.
A Genre-Bending Talent
Jelly Roll’s music is an unpredictable mix—like a playlist made by three siblings who can’t agree on anything.
His sister’s love for The Offspring and Sublime, his brother’s obsession with Tupac, and his mother’s outlaw country influences all crash together in his sound.
Rap, rock, country—you name it, Jelly Roll can do it, and he does it well.
His songs are like a patchwork quilt of his influences—from the aching vulnerability of “Save Me” to the in-your-face energy of “Wheels Fall Off.”
The diversity of his catalogue shows he’s not trying to fit in anyone’s box, and that’s exactly why people love him.
Notable Collaborations and Albums
Jelly Roll has worked with some notable names in the industry, adding even more layers to his eclectic sound.
Collaborations with Lil Wyte, Three 6 Mafia, TechN9ne, Krizz Kaliko, and David Ray Stevens have helped him reach wider audiences and explore different facets of his musical personality.
His partnership with Jessie Murph on “Wild Ones” is a prime example of how his collaborative spirit continues to push boundaries.
Jelly Roll’s discography is just as diverse as his influences. Albums like A Beautiful Disaster, Therapeutic Music 5, and Self Medicated highlight different points in his journey, each one showcasing his growth as an artist and a person.
From raw rap tracks to heartfelt country ballads, these albums have something for everyone.
Chart Performance and Milestones
Jelly Roll’s impact in both rap and country music is evident not just in his fanbase, but in his chart success.
“Son of a Sinner” topped the Billboard Country charts, while “Dead Man Walking” became his first number one hit on rock radio.
Winning Best New Artist at the 2023 CMA Awards was a huge milestone, but it wasn’t his only accolade—he’s also racked up multiple CMT awards and continues to make waves with each new release.
Jelly Roll’s Top 10 Songs and Greatest Hits
When it comes to Jelly Roll’s top songs, there are plenty of tracks that stand out as career-defining moments.
His greatest hits include tracks that have topped the charts and resonated with fans across different genres.
Whether it’s the raw emotion in “Save Me” or the rebellious energy of “Wild Ones,” Jelly Roll’s most popular songs are proof of his wide appeal.
1. Save Me (2020, 2023)
If there’s one track that put Jelly Roll on the map, it’s “Save Me.” This song finds him at his lowest, singing, “Something inside of me’s broken, I hold on to anything that sets me free.”
It’s heavy, but it’s real—and that’s why people can’t get enough. The 2023 duet with Lainey Wilson gave it a fresh spin, turning it into an anthem for anyone who’s ever felt lost and needed a way out.
2. Need a Favor (2022)
“I know ‘Amazing Grace,’ but I ain’t been living them words.” Jelly Roll gives a nod to the messy side of faith in this gospel-inspired country hit.
He’s not preaching—he’s just being honest about those moments when you only pray because you’ve got nothing left.
Wynonna Judd joining him at the 2023 CMA Awards brought even more soul to this already powerful track.
3. Son of a Sinner (2022)
“Son of a Sinner” was Jelly Roll’s big debut in country music, and it didn’t disappoint.
This song is a tribute to his dad and captures the duality of living hard and holding onto faith.
It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being real, and that’s why it topped the Billboard Country charts.
4. Creature (2020)
This one’s a wild ride. Featuring TechN9ne and Krizz Kaliko, “Creature” dives deep into Jelly Roll’s inner demons.
“I’m not afraid of the Boogieman. Instead, I look at him like he’s a friend.”
It’s dark, it’s raw, and it’s oddly comforting—like finding out the monster under your bed just wants to hang out.
5. Dead Man Walking
“Dead Man Walking” is a full-blown rock anthem, and it became Jelly Roll’s first number one hit on rock radio.
Electric guitars, raw lyrics about pain and resilience—it’s got everything you’d want from a crossover hit.
This song proves that Jelly Roll isn’t interested in picking one lane, and why should he?
6. Bottle and Mary Jane (2020)
“Lately, I’m drowning my pain with a bottle and Mary Jane.” No sugarcoating here—this song dives into addiction, but it’s not hopeless.
Even when he’s singing about being broken, there’s always a hint that he’s not ready to give up.
It’s dark, but there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, and Jelly Roll’s taking us there.
7. Halfway to Hell (2024)
“I don’t know if I’m halfway to heaven or halfway to hell.” This track captures the struggle between good and evil with a driving groove that keeps you hooked.
With a nod to Merle Haggard’s “Mama Tried,” it’s got that classic country feel mixed with Jelly Roll’s blunt honesty.
8. She (2023)
“She feels like she’s flyin’ while we’re all watching her fall.” “She” is a gut-wrenching look at addiction, inspired by the women in Jelly Roll’s life.
It’s a song that doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities, and partnering with Shatterproof to raise awareness about the addiction crisis makes it even more impactful.
9. Smoking Section (2015)
“Smoking Section” is one of those early Jelly Roll songs that still resonates.
“I hope that Heaven has a smoking section,” he sings, voicing the hope for redemption, flaws and all.
It’s raw, it’s imperfect, and that’s what makes it perfect for anyone who’s ever felt like they weren’t quite good enough.
10. Wild Ones (2023)
“Wild Ones” is a blast—literally. A collaboration with Jessie Murph, it’s about being unapologetically yourself. “
The police will never take us alive,” Jelly Roll raps, and you can feel the energy bouncing off the walls.
It’s a song for the rebels, the outcasts, and anyone who’s tired of playing by the rules.
Jelly Roll Rap Songs vs. Country Songs
Jelly Roll’s music spans multiple genres, but his rap and country songs each have their own distinct flavour.
His rap songs, like “Creature” and “Wheels Fall Off,” are raw, unfiltered, and often dive into the struggles he faced growing up—gritty lyrics paired with powerful beats.
On the other hand, his country songs, like “Son of a Sinner” and “She,” are full of storytelling and emotional depth, reflecting on faith, redemption, and the human condition.
This duality is what makes Jelly Roll unique: he doesn’t just dabble in genres—he owns them.
The Legacy of Jelly Roll
Jelly Roll’s catalogue is more than just music; it’s a messy, beautiful scrapbook of life’s ups and downs.
His ability to switch genres, lay his struggles bare, and bring people along for the ride has made him a voice for anyone who’s ever felt less than perfect.
Winning Best New Artist at 39? That’s not just an award—that’s a middle finger to anyone who thinks there’s an expiration date on success.
Through his collaborations, deeply personal lyrics, and refusal to fit in a box, Jelly Roll proves that music is a lifeline.
It’s how we connect, how we cope, and how we keep going even when the world tells us to sit down.
Whether it’s his country ballads, rap bangers, or rock anthems, Jelly Roll’s music is here to remind us all that even when we’re at our lowest, there’s still something worth singing about.
FAQs About Jelly Roll
What is Jelly Roll’s most famous song? Jelly Roll’s most famous song is arguably “Save Me.”
The raw emotion and vulnerability in this track have made it a favorite among fans, especially with its 2023 duet version featuring Lainey Wilson.
What songs made Jelly Roll famous? “Save Me,” “Son of a Sinner,” and “Dead Man Walking” were key in establishing Jelly Roll’s reputation.
These tracks showcase his versatility across genres and his ability to connect with listeners on a deep level.
What are Jelly Roll’s number one hits? “Dead Man Walking” hit number one on rock radio, while “Son of a Sinner” topped the Billboard Country charts.
These milestones highlight Jelly Roll’s crossover appeal and his impact in both the rock and country music worlds.
What are Jelly Roll’s top songs? Jelly Roll’s top songs include “Save Me,” “Need a Favor,” “Son of a Sinner,” “Dead Man Walking,” and “Creature.”
Each of these tracks showcases a different aspect of his genre-defying talent, from rap to country to rock.
What are Jelly Roll’s greatest hits? Jelly Roll’s greatest hits span across his career, featuring fan favorites like “Save Me,” “Smoking Section,” and “Wild Ones.”
These songs have defined his journey and solidified his place in the music industry.
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