Rapper-turned-country singer Jelly Roll

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Published 2024-01-07
The artist known as Jelly Roll is a 39-year-old former rapper whose songs tell of the troubled life he used to lead. He's now one of the biggest names in country music, with two Grammy nominations this year. With correspondent Kelefa Sanneh, we go with Jelly Roll to one of the many jail cells he lived in, where he wrote songs and hatched his plans to make it in music—eventually finding himself on the "holy ground" of Nashville's Grand Ole Opry.

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All Comments (21)
  • I proposed to my now fiance in the pit at the Jelly Roll concert in Noblesville last summer. It was a great concert and an even better day!
  • What impresses me about this man is his kindness to others. Whenever he travels he finds people to help.
  • @angelo8424
    Jelly Roll has saved a lot of lives- Including mine.
  • @TheOzzyLover
    It’s so cool when the universe lines up to give someone like Jelly a voice❤ We need his vulnerability and that makes his honesty mean something. Closing the gap between the haves and haves not just to show that money, success, popularity etc doesn’t equal happiness. It’s the quality of relationships and the love you give that truly makes you happy!!!❤
  • His music is not just for those who have been to jail, are in the throws of addiction or in recovery. It's for all of us because we all have a dark hallway in our minds. My day is not complete without hearing one of his songs. Thank you God for this man!
  • @AY-nr5uy
    Give this guy props ! He over came additions etc... Proves you can overcome.
  • @MrsAlmaTrumble
    I've never been into drugs or alcohol but his story brings me to tears. We can all change ourselves for the better.
  • This man’s lyrics just touch your soul. When I saw him win a CMA I thought - who the hell is this guy?? Then I did a deep dive and have been changed. His music resonates with my soul in a way I never expected but am so grateful for! ❤
  • @catiejunkins5276
    I only know like three songs, but I’ve been following him for months. He and Bunny are just so down to earth and open about their past. He seems so genuinely thankful and humble about what he has, and so set on using his position to give back to those going through what he’s been through.
  • @ShellyBomb
    The old adage "Don't judge a book by its cover!" 📖 couldn't be more true!! 🤩
  • @mirandalewis9901
    Jelly Roll just has that very rare and special gift of being able to reach people’s soul through his music. I am beyond happy for him and I like so many others hope to be able to see him in concert and meet him someday!!!!
  • @teegee0400
    He deserves every moment of fame and recognition!!
  • @MrZonnie
    Jelly Roll is such an amazing artist. He sings therapeutic music that touches all of us. No matter where your from, what you feel when listening to his music is unbelievably real and raw emotion! He touches all of us in so many ways. We all love you Jelly Roll!
  • @vonniepitts5136
    Jelly Roll is one of THE MOST BEAUTIFUL and GENUINE people on this earth! Many blessings to him & his family.
  • @TheBourbon88
    You can tell he lives inside of his own heart and it's beautiful! ❤
  • @AY-nr5uy
    Touches your Soul. That lady correct.