Felly Roll LIVING OUT HIS AMERICAN DREAM

From prison to the top of the charts: Jelly Roll looks back on the most memorable moments in his amazing journey

- LEANNE ACIZ STANTON

His past may serve as a cautionary tale, but Jelly Roll (real name: Jason Bradley DeFord) takes solace in knowing his present-day has become a motivator for many. “Awards and accolades can’t compare to someone telling me how my music helped them,” the singer, 39, tells Us. “Music granted [me] purpose and enabled me to reach people. I hope my story inspires them to find whatever that is for them.” Jelly Roll reflects on his recent incredible run before hitting the road for the Beautifully Broken Tour, kicking off Aug. 27.

Jan. 9, 2023

FIRST PLATINUM SINGLE

“Son of a Sinner” was my first No. 1 on country radio and my debut country single. I wrote it with my good friend and songwriter/artist ERNEST. To have my first No. 1 single in country be with another kid who grew up in Nashville is something I couldn’t have hoped or dreamt for to have turned out that way.

Nov. 15, 2023

VISITING HIS PREVIOUS PRISON CELL

This is the actual cell, not recreated or one like it, that I spent years in. It’s the room where someone knocked on my door to tell me that I had a daughter [Bailee, now 16] and when I turned around to ask if they knew her name, his response was “Hell, if I know.” This is the cell where I knew it had to be different.

Feb. 19, 2024

OPENING A RECORDING STUDIO AT HIS JUVENILE DETENTION CENTER