Jelly Roll Biography
Jelly Roll, born Jason Bradley DeFord,is a chart-topping American rapper and country singer who grew up in Antioch, Tennessee, facing poverty, addiction, and repeated arrests. From a young age, he turned to music as a way out of trouble, releasing underground hip‑hop that built a loyal local audience.
Early in his career, he blended hip‑hop with raw storytelling and emotional honesty. Later, he shifted toward country rap and country rock, creating a sound that reflects struggle, faith, and redemption. This unique style helped him connect with fans across genres, boosting his popularity beyond regional circles.
He broke through with hits like “Son of a Sinner” and “Need a Favor,” earning major acclaim and awards. In 2024, his album Beautifully Broken debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, cementing his mainstream success. He has also received multiple Grammy nominations for his work in country and contemporary Christian music.
Today, Jelly Roll stands as a symbol of resilience and transformation, inspiring fans with his music and message of hope. He frequently shares his story of overcoming addiction, emphasizing faith, redemption, and personal growth.
Jelly Roll Age
How old is Jelly Roll ?
Jelly Roll was born on December 4, 1984. He is 41 years old in 2026 and will turn 42 on December 4, 2026. His age reflects a long journey from underground hip-hop to mainstream country music success, highlighting personal growth and artistic evolution.
Jelly Roll Height
How tall is Jelly Roll ?
Jelly Roll stands about 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) tall, giving him a commanding presence on stage. His height enhances his dynamic persona in both hip‑hop and country performances. Fans often note his stature as part of his energetic live shows and strong visual appeal during concerts.
Jelly Roll’s Wife
Jelly Roll married Bunnie Xo (Alisa DeFord) in August 2016 after meeting at a concert. She became stepmother to his daughter Bailee and son Noah, forming a close family. Bunnie hosts the Dumb Blonde podcast and runs her own media company. The couple renewed their vows in Las Vegas in 2023. They openly discuss life, love, and challenges, including IVF hopes. Together, they support Jelly Roll’s mission of healing, growth, and family unity, creating a strong family foundation while balancing music, media, and personal goals.
Jelly Roll’s Kids
Jelly Roll has two children who shape his life and music. His daughter Bailee Ann DeFord was born in 2008, and he later gained full custody. His son Noah Buddy DeFord arrived in 2016. Jelly Roll often brings them to events, showing their importance to him. He credits fatherhood with grounding his ambitions and inspiring his recovery. Together with wife Bunnie Xo, he emphasizes responsibility, love, and growth. His children represent hope and purpose in his ongoing journey, influencing both his personal life and his music.
Jelly Roll Songs
Jelly Roll’s music blends country, rock, and hip-hop, focusing on honesty, struggle, and redemption. His most notable songs include:
- Son of a Sinner – Explores faith, regret, and personal redemption through raw storytelling.
- Need a Favor – Uses prayer-driven lyrics to seek grace, forgiveness, and spiritual guidance.
- Save Me – Addresses addiction, recovery, and emotional vulnerability with striking honesty.
- Halfway to Hell – Reflects on past mistakes while balancing faith and self-reflection.
- I Am Not Okay – Confronts mental health struggles and emotional pain openly.
- Liar – Highlights personal accountability and the consequences of self-deception.
- Heart of Stone – Shows emotional resilience while facing inner conflict and healing.
- Holy Water – Blends faith-based themes with modern crossover production.
Together, these songs define Jelly Roll’s genre-crossing impact and strengthen his connection with a diverse audience.
Jelly Roll’s Albums
Jelly Roll’s albums showcase his growth, versatility, and emotional depth across genres. His most important releases include:
- Whitsitt Chapel (2023) – Marked his official country music breakthrough with faith-driven themes and mainstream appeal.
- Beautifully Broken (2024) – Debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, focusing on redemption, healing, and personal transformation.
- Ballads of the Broken (2021) – Delivered deeply personal tracks like “Son of a Sinner,” highlighting struggle and self-reflection.
- A Beautiful Disaster (2020) – Showcased his hip-hop roots with raw lyrics and emotional honesty.
- Self Medicated (2020) – Explored addiction, mental health, and survival through unfiltered storytelling.
- Goodnight Nashville (2011) – Captured his early underground sound and laid the foundation for future success.
Together, these albums highlight Jelly Roll’s genre-crossing evolution and solidify his reputation as a powerful storyteller in modern music.
Jelly Roll’s Weight Loss
How much weight did Jelly Roll lose?
Jelly Roll transformed his health by losing nearly 200 pounds since 2022, dropping from over 540 pounds to about 357 lbs. His weight loss came from running, clean eating, and lifestyle changes, avoiding medications. He completed a 5K race in 2024 and continues daily exercise. He also shaved his beard for the first time in a decade, showing his slimmer jawline. Fans praised his discipline and new look. Jelly aims to lose another 100 pounds and has ambitious goals, including skydiving and a Men’s Health feature, reflecting his commitment to wellness and transformation.
Jelly Roll Net Worth
As of 2026, Jelly Roll’s net worth ranges from $12 million to $16 million. He earns from music sales, streaming, touring, and merchandise. His success in both hip‑hop and country has significantly boosted his financial growth, making him one of the most influential crossover artists in modern music.
