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‘5 Questions With’: Jelly Roll

By Preston | March 31, 2026 | 3:25 pm | No Comments
Jelly Roll

Born Jason DeFord, Jelly Roll is the Nashville-raised artist whose journey from troubled beginnings to chart-topping success has become one of the most compelling stories in modern music. Blending elements of country, rock, and hip-hop, his sound reflects both his Southern roots and his raw, lived experiences. Known for his deeply emotional lyrics and unfiltered honesty, Jelly Roll has connected with audiences in a way that goes beyond genre, turning pain into powerful storytelling. After years of grinding in the underground scene, his breakthrough into mainstream country music marked a turning point—not just professionally, but personally. With songs that speak openly about addiction, redemption, and mental health, he has carved out a space that feels both vulnerable and real. We caught up with Jelly Roll to talk about his journey, the influences behind his music, and what lies ahead as his career continues to rise. Read the feature below…

EQ: Hi Jelly, can you tell us a little about yourself and how you first got into music?
JR.: I grew up in Nashville, but not the Nashville people think about. It was a rough environment, and music became my escape early on. I started writing as a way to deal with everything I was going through. At first, it was more hip-hop—I was just telling my story the only way I knew how. Over time, it just evolved into something bigger.

EQ: Your music blends country, rock, and hip-hop—who would you say has influenced your sound the most?
JR.: It’s a mix of everything I grew up on. I loved Southern rap, but I was also around a lot of country music just being from Nashville. Artists like Johnny Cash really stuck with me—the way he told stories, the honesty in it. I think I just naturally blended all those influences together without really thinking about it too much.

“…music gave me a way to turn all that pain into something people could actually feel.”
– Jelly Roll

EQ: Your rise into mainstream country has been huge—what inspired that shift in your career?
JR.: Honestly, it wasn’t some big plan. I just started making the kind of music that felt real to me at the time. I think people connected with the honesty more than anything. The genre stuff kind of worked itself out. I never sat down and said, “I’m switching lanes”—it just happened naturally.

EQ: Out of everything you’ve experienced so far, is there a moment that really stands out to you?
JR.: There have been a lot of big moments, but the ones that hit me the most are when fans come up and tell me a song helped them through something. That’s bigger than any chart or award. That’s when it really sinks in that what I’m doing matters.

EQ: What have you been working on recently, and what can fans expect from you moving forward?
JR.: I’ve just been trying to stay honest with the music. I’m working on new stuff that digs even deeper into my story. I don’t ever want to get comfortable or predictable. Fans can expect growth, but still the same heart behind everything I do.

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