Forget Rap! Jelly Roll Jams to This Country Classic (Guess it?)

You can’t escape Jelly Roll these days! From topping the charts to dominating the radio, his music is everywhere. But what about when the tables are turned? What does the man behind the hits actually listen to?

Jelly Roll latest interview on Taste of Country Nights, the host asked him few questions.

Is there a country song that stops him dead in his tracks?

A song so good, he simply has to listen every single time?

Jelly’s answer? “God, there’s so many of those!” (Can you relate?) But after a short pause, it seems a memory struck: “‘How a Cowgirl Says Goodbye,’ by Tracy Lawrence,” he revealed.

Let’s dig deep in it!

Jelly Roll favorite song nowadays

Apparently, the breakup ballad “‘How a Cowgirl Says Goodbye,’ by Tracy Lawrence, “has a special place in Jelly Roll’s heart (and headphones).

“I loved that record, man,” he shared. “I thought it was such a cool spin on a break-up, you know what I mean?”

Here’s the kicker: the song’s secret weapon? A surprising mix! “It was just like this happy fiddle and but these super sultry lyrics,” explained Jelly Roll.

“Anytime I hear it, it tickles my bones like that. No matter where I am at in life, I will stop and listen to it.”

So next time you see Jelly Roll with headphones on, don’t assume he’s jamming out to his latest hit. He might just be getting his fix of Tracy Lawrence!

Want to hear the full interview and see Jelly Roll talk more about his love for country music? Check out the video below!

Jelly Roll: A Career Defined by Grit and Redemption

Jelly Roll: 23 Unforgettable Facts

Jelly Roll. The name itself conjures up images of a colorful character, a man who’s lived a life less ordinary. And that’s exactly what Jelly Roll, aka Jason DeFord, is.

From battling addiction to becoming a chart-topping country singer, his journey is as fascinating as it is inspiring. And he is grateful about where he is now:

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Here, we delve into 20 facts that paint a vivid picture of the man behind the music:

1. College Grad with a Street Past: While Jelly Roll often spoke of dropping out before getting his driver’s license, many were surprised to learn he did get his GED – in jail! He even went a step further, earning an associate’s degree in sociology from Volunteer State University. Talk about defying expectations!

2. A Nickname with a Bittersweet Origin: His mother affectionately nicknamed him “Jelly Roll” due to his childhood chubbiness. However, Jelly Roll himself has shared that this playful nickname also reminds him of the struggles with weight that fueled his mental health issues.

3. Does Jelly Roll Actually Roll on the Golf Course?: We don’t have a handicap on his game, but Jelly Roll has confirmed he enjoys a round of golf. Whether he’s a golfing ace or a casual duffer remains a mystery.

4. A Fan in the Unlikeliest of Places: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson! When Jelly Roll dropped his “Whitsitt Chapel” album, The Rock surprised him with a glowing review, sharing that Jelly Roll’s music helped him through a tough time. They’ve even become friends, with Jelly Roll having The Rock’s phone number!

5. Waffle House Wasn’t a Fan (But They Settled): Remember the “Whiskey Weed and Waffle House” mixtape? Waffle House certainly did, and they weren’t thrilled with the use of their logo. A lawsuit ensued, which Jelly Roll settled for $10,000. Let’s just say, using copyrighted logos for your mixtapes might not be the best idea.

6. A Father-Son Bond That’s Growing Stronger: Jelly Roll has a son, Noah, who lives with his mother. However, Jelly Roll remains a part of his life. They avoid posting pictures together to respect the mother’s wishes, but Bunnie Xo sometimes shares glimpses on social media.

7. A Past Fraught with Trouble: Jelly Roll has openly discussed his numerous brushes with the law, including over 40 arrests related to drugs and petty theft. A serious charge at 16, treated as an adult offense, could have drastically changed his life. Today, he uses his experiences to help others avoid similar pitfalls.

8. “Save Me” – Born from Darkness: This breakout hit wasn’t born out of sunshine and rainbows. Jelly Roll dropped “Save Me” without spending a dime on promotion. The song resonated deeply, spreading virally and catching the attention of major record labels by 2021. However, the roots of the song go back to a dark period during the pandemic, fueled by grief and isolation.

9. A Life That Could Have Been Different: While Jelly Roll’s early years seemed relatively normal, his mother’s struggles with addiction cast a long shadow. Her descent into addiction and eventual divorce from his father triggered a downward spiral for Jelly Roll. The documentary “Save Me” sheds a poignant light on this period.

10. Bunnie Xo: More Than Just a Stage Name: Jelly Roll’s wife, Bunnie Xo (real name Alisa DeFord), has an intriguing story of her own. She battled addiction and worked as an escort in Las Vegas before meeting Jelly Roll. They’ve both been through the trenches and come out stronger together.

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11. A Wedding Night to Remember (Barely): Their love story is anything but ordinary. Jelly Roll admits to being blackout drunk on their wedding night, but they’ve persevered. Both credit their marriage with motivating them to confront their addictions.

12. From Zero to Hero in Record Time: Just how quickly did Jelly Roll rise to fame? In January 2022, selling 1,000 tickets in Connecticut felt like a win. By December, he sold close to 20,000 tickets to rock Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. Talk about a meteoric rise!

13. Brothers in Arms (and Looks): Jelly Roll has two older brothers, Roger and Scott. They appear in the documentary “Save Me,” and the resemblance is uncanny, minus the singer’s signature tattoos. There might even be a sister in the picture, though details remain unconfirmed.

14. A Father Figure Stepped Up: The story of Jelly Roll’s daughter, Bailee Ann, is a testament to the power of second chances. While Jelly Roll initially envisioned himself as a devoted father after learning about her birth in jail, he admits to falling short in his early years. Bailee’s mother’s battle with addiction forced Jelly Roll and Bunnie to step in and raise her.

15. Inspiration for “She” Hits Close to Home: The emotional ballad “She” tackles addiction head-on. Jelly Roll has revealed that the song draws inspiration from the struggles of his mother and Bailee Ann’s mother, highlighting the devastating impact of addiction on families.

16. Bunnie Had His Back (and Maybe His Drugs): Jelly Roll’s road to sobriety wasn’t always smooth. While he’s open about his past struggles with cocaine and alcohol, he admits Bunnie helped him acquire drugs early on. The irony isn’t lost on him, especially considering the online trolls who label Bunnie a gold digger.

17. A Fragile Sobriety: Jelly Roll acknowledges he’s not completely free from the demons of addiction. He’s confessed to occasional relapses with drugs and alcohol in 2023. This, coupled with depression, stress, and health concerns, paints a picture of a man still fighting for lasting sobriety.

18. A Man of Many Books: Jelly Roll surprised many by revealing he’s read both the Bible and the Koran. While not a devout follower of either religion, he appreciates the lessons found within their pages. Not many country singers can claim that kind of open-mindedness!

19. Open Marriage Rumors Debunked: Despite online speculation, Jelly Roll and Bunnie have a committed, monogamous relationship. Playful comments about threesomes and past wild nights with Bunnie bringing women on tour buses were taken out of context. They may have an unconventional approach to love, but it works for them.

20. From Streets to the Senate: Jelly Roll’s journey took an unexpected turn in January 2024. He addressed the U.S. Senate, speaking out about the prison system and the need for rehabilitation programs. This powerful moment showcased his commitment to helping others avoid the pitfalls he experienced.

Wrapping Up

• Jelly Roll, the country music chart-topper, might surprise you with his taste in music.
• While his own music dominates the airwaves, when the tables are turned, he enjoys a classic country ballad – “How a Cowgirl Says Goodbye” by Tracy Lawrence.
• This breakup song holds a special place in Jelly Roll’s heart, thanks to its unique blend of upbeat fiddle music and melancholic lyrics. He describes it as a song that “tickles his bones” and one he can’t help but stop and listen to, no matter the situation.
• This unexpected choice reveals a deeper appreciation for traditional country music within Jelly Roll. It also highlights the power of good songwriting that transcends genre and resonates with listeners on a personal level.
• So, the next time you see Jelly Roll with headphones on, don’t assume he’s jamming out to his latest hit. He might just be reminiscing with a touch of Tracy Lawrence!

What about you? What’s a song that always makes you stop and listen, no matter what? Let us know in the comments!