Jason Bradley DeFord, professionally known as Jelly Roll, is an American singer, rapper, and songwriter whose music spans Southern hip-hop, country rap, and country rock genres. Born on December 4, 1984, in Antioch, Tennessee, a suburb of Nashville, he has transformed his life from a troubled past to become a Grammy-nominated artist celebrated for his raw and heartfelt storytelling.
Early Life
Jelly Roll’s upbringing was marked by challenges. His father worked as a meat salesman and part-time bookie, while his mother struggled with mental health issues and addiction. At 14, he was baptized but soon found himself entangled in drug use and legal troubles, leading to a decade of intermittent incarceration. During one of his prison stints, he earned his GED at the age of 23.
Career
Jelly Roll began his music career in 2003, selling mixtapes from his car. He gained initial recognition with the 2010 track “Pop Another Pill,” a collaboration with Lil Wyte that garnered over 6 million views on YouTube. This success led to the formation of the hip-hop group SNO and the release of the album “Year Round.”
Over the years, he released several mixtapes and independent albums, collaborating with artists like Haystak, Struggle Jennings, and Tech N9ne. His 2013 mixtape “Whiskey, Weed, & Women” was initially titled “Whiskey, Weed, & Waffle House,” but was renamed after legal threats from the restaurant chain.
In 2021, Jelly Roll made his Grand Ole Opry debut, marking a significant shift towards country music. His 2022 single “Son of a Sinner” became his first number-one hit on country radio and won three CMT Music Awards in 2023. He was also named New Artist of the Year at the 2023 CMA Awards and received a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist.
His subsequent albums, “Whitsitt Chapel” (2023) and “Beautifully Broken” (2024), further solidified his place in the music industry. In 2024, he collaborated with Eminem on the track “Somebody Save Me” and made his television debut on the drama series “Tulsa King.”
Personal Life
Jelly Roll is married to Bunnie Xo, a podcast host and social media personality. He has two children, including a daughter named Bailee. His family plays a pivotal role in his life, providing stability and support as he navigates his career and personal growth.
In 2024, he testified before the U.S. Congress in support of anti-fentanyl legislation, drawing from his experiences as a former drug dealer to advocate for change.
Height
Jelly Roll stands approximately 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) tall.
Net Worth
As of 2025, estimates of Jelly Roll’s net worth vary. According to Celebrity Net Worth, he is worth approximately $12 million, while other sources estimate his net worth to be between $4 million and $5 million. His income streams include music sales, streaming, live performances, merchandise, and brand endorsements.
Jelly Roll’s journey from a troubled youth to a celebrated artist is a testament to his resilience and talent. His music, often reflecting his personal struggles and triumphs, continues to resonate with a broad audience, solidifying his place in the contemporary music scene.
(FAQs) about Jelly Roll:
1. What is Jelly Roll’s real name?
Jelly Roll’s real name is Jason Bradley DeFord.
2. When was Jelly Roll born?
He was born on December 4, 1984, in Antioch, Nashville, Tennessee.
3. How old is Jelly Roll?
As of 2025, Jelly Roll is 40 years old.
4. How tall is Jelly Roll?
He is approximately 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) tall.
5. Is Jelly Roll married?
Yes, he is married to Bunnie XO (real name: Bunnie DeFord), a podcast host and influencer. They got married in 2016.
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6. Does Jelly Roll have children?
Yes, he has two children — a daughter named Bailee Ann and a son named Noah Buddy.
7. What genre of music does Jelly Roll perform?
Jelly Roll blends genres such as hip-hop, country rap, country rock, and Southern rock.
8. What is Jelly Roll’s most popular song?
One of his most well-known songs is “Son of a Sinner”, which gained significant acclaim and radio play in 2022.
9. Has Jelly Roll won any awards?
Yes, he has won multiple CMT Music Awards and was named New Artist of the Year at the 2023 CMA Awards. He also received a Grammy nomination in 2024.
10. What is Jelly Roll’s net worth?
As of 2025, his estimated net worth is around $12 million.
11. Did Jelly Roll have a criminal past?
Yes, he spent much of his youth in and out of jail and has spoken openly about his past, including drug charges. He turned his life around through music.
12. Has Jelly Roll lost weight?
Yes, as of 2025, he has lost nearly 200 pounds, with a goal to lose 100 more pounds for health and personal reasons.
13. What was his first big breakthrough?
His song “Pop Another Pill” (2010) with Lil Wyte brought him early recognition. Later albums like Ballads of the Broken and Whitsitt Chapel cemented his mainstream success.
14. Where can I follow Jelly Roll online?
You can follow him on:
- Instagram: @jellyroll615
- YouTube: Jelly Roll YouTube Channel
- TikTok, Twitter/X, and Facebook under the same handle.
15. What are Jelly Roll’s future goals?
Besides continuing his music career, he’s focused on fitness, mental health advocacy, and inspiring others through his story. He’s even joked about wanting to be on the cover of Men’s Health!
