Jelly Roll (born Jason Bradley DeFord) is an American singer, songwriter, rapper, and musician. He is best known for blending country, rock, hip-hop, and Southern rap into a distinctive musical style.
After years of building an independent career, Jelly achieved mainstream success with hit songs such as “Son of a Sinner,” “Need a Favor,” “Save Me,” and “I Am Not Okay.”
Essential Data
- Full Name: Jason Bradley DeFord
- Stage Name: Jelly Roll
- Born: December 4, 1984
- Age: 41 years old
- Birthplace: Nashville, Tennessee, United States
- Occupation: Singer, Songwriter, Rapper, Musician
- Nationality: American
- Height: 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm)
- Ethnicity: White American
- Religion: Christianity
- Parents: Horace “Buddy” DeFord, Donna DeFord
- Siblings: Scott DeFord and Roger DeFord, Shelby DeFord
- Spouse: Bunnie XO (Bunnie DeFord)
- Children: Bailee Ann DeFord, Noah Buddy DeFord
- Relationship: Married
- Net Worth: $12 million USD
Early Life and Education
Jelly Roll was born on December 4, 1984, in Nashville, Tennessee, United States, to Horace “Buddy” DeFord and Donna DeFord. He grew up with three siblings: Scott DeFord, Roger DeFord, and Shelby DeFord.
Growing up in the Antioch area of Nashville, he faced numerous personal challenges and had several encounters with the law during his teenage years, serving time in detention before eventually turning his life around through music.
He attended local schools in Nashville but did not complete a traditional college education.
Career
Jelly Roll began his music career in the early 2000s, initially gaining recognition in the underground hip-hop scene through collaborations with artists including Lil Wyte, Haystak, Struggle Jennings, and Tech N9ne.
His breakthrough came with the 2010 viral collaboration “Pop Another Pill,” which introduced him to a wider audience.
Over the following decade, he built a loyal fan base by independently releasing albums that blended rap, country, rock, and gospel influences.
His transition into country music brought mainstream success with the chart-topping singles “Son of a Sinner” and “Need a Favor,” earning him numerous industry awards and widespread acclaim.
Jelly has since become one of country music’s biggest stars, performing at major festivals and award shows while collaborating with artists across multiple genres.
Most recently, he released his tenth studio album, Beautifully Broken (2024), featuring the hit singles “I Am Not Okay,” “Liar,” and “Heart of Stone.” He has continued touring internationally and remains one of the genre’s most successful recording artists.
Awards and Nominations
- CMT Music Awards – Multiple Winner
- Academy of Country Music Awards – New Male Artist of the Year
- Country Music Association Awards – New Artist of the Year
- People’s Choice Country Awards – Multiple Winner
- Grammy Awards – Multiple Nominee
Social Media
- Instagram: @jellyroll615
- Facebook: Jelly Roll
- X(twitter): @JellyRoll615
- TikTok: @officialjellyroll
- YouTube Channel: Jelly Roll
Personal Life
Jelly Roll, 41, has been married to podcast host, entrepreneur, and social media personality Bunnie XO (Bunnie DeFord) since 2016.
Before his marriage, he was involved in previous relationships, including one that resulted in the birth of his daughter, Bailee Ann DeFord, in 2008. He later welcomed his son, Noah Buddy DeFord. Jelly stands 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) tall.
Net Worth
Jelly Roll has a net worth of $12 million USD. His income is generated through album sales, music streaming, concert tours, songwriting royalties, merchandise sales, brand partnerships, television appearances, and business ventures. His successful transition from independent rapper to award-winning country music star has significantly contributed to his financial success.
Discography
Albums
- The Big Sal Story (2012)
- Sobriety Sucks (2016)
- A Beautiful Disaster (2020)
- Ballads of the Broken (2021)
- Whitsitt Chapel (2023)
- Beautifully Broken (2024)
Singles
- Son of a Sinner
- Need a Favor
- Save Me
- Halfway to Hell
- I Am Not Okay
- Liar
- Heart of Stone