Discover Jelly Roll biography, age, zodiac sign, rise to fame, musical influences, first album, and career journey. Find out how he became a genre-blending star from Nashville.
Jelly Roll Biography
Jelly Roll, born Jason DeFord, is an American singer, rapper, and songwriter known for blending hip-hop, country, and rock music. Raised in the working-class neighborhoods of Nashville, Tennessee, Jelly Roll’s music often reflects his personal struggles with addiction, poverty, and redemption. His emotional honesty and gritty storytelling have helped him build a devoted fan base and cross over into mainstream success.
Jelly Roll’s Age, Birthday, and Zodiac
Jelly Roll was born on December 4, 1984, making him 40 years old as of 2025. His zodiac sign is Sagittarius, often associated with being adventurous, independent, and deeply emotional, traits that show through in his music and personal journey.
Jelly Roll’s Rise to Fame Story
Jelly Roll’s path to fame wasn’t a straight line. Early in life, he faced legal troubles and personal hardships, including time spent in juvenile detention and jail. Instead of allowing these struggles to define him, he poured his experiences into his music.
Starting by selling mixtapes out of his car, he slowly built a loyal following. His collaborations with artists like Lil Wyte and Haystak introduced him to a wider audience. However, it was his deeply personal tracks and heartfelt performances, especially songs like “Save Me” and “Need A Favor,” that propelled him into the national spotlight. His 2023 CMT Music Awards sweep established his place as one of the most inspiring new voices in country music.
Jelly Roll’s Musical Influences
Jelly Roll’s sound is shaped by a unique blend of influences. He grew up listening to a mix of hip-hop legends like Three 6 Mafia and 8Ball & MJG, as well as classic rock and country icons like Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings.
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This diverse musical background helped him craft a style that defies traditional genre boundaries, mixing rap flows with country storytelling and rock anthems.
Jelly Roll’s First Album and Career Start
Jelly Roll released his first independent project, The Plain Shmear Tape, in 2005. Over the years, he consistently dropped mixtapes and albums, building momentum with each release.
His collaborative album Year Round with the hip-hop group SNO, produced by DJ Paul and Juicy J of Three 6 Mafia, was a major early milestone. However, it was his solo projects like The Big Sal Story (2012) and Self Medicated (2020) that showcased his evolution from a regional underground artist to a mainstream crossover success.
In 2021, Jelly Roll’s song “Save Me” went viral, marking a turning point in his career and opening doors into the country music industry, where he continues to thrive.