The Kentucky night was electric on June 1, 2025, when Jelly Roll headlined the Limestone Stage at Railbird Festival. His 9:30 p.m. set brought gritty country-rap-soul to Lexington’s Red Mile, gripping the crowd. Consequently, fans, now a sea of voices, sang every word of his anthems. For 75 minutes, this Nashville titan delivered a raw, redemptive show, sealing Day 2’s epic close.
His performance was a blend of gut-punch lyrics and high-energy hooks. For instance, he opened with “Son of a Sinner,” its soaring chorus sparking roars. Meanwhile, Jelly Roll’s vocals carried a gravelly, soulful weight, like a preacher’s confession. His band—tight and versatile—kept the vibe electric, with Cody Ash’s guitar wailing. Moreover, “Save Me” had fans swaying, its raw honesty drawing tears. By the end, with “Need a Favor,” the crowd was wild, lost in his redemption tale.
From Prison Cells to Music Redemption
Jelly Roll, born Jason DeFord on December 4, 1984, in Antioch, Tennessee, grew up in Nashville’s tough suburbs. Music was his escape; at 14, he started rapping, inspired by Three 6 Mafia. His early life was rough—multiple prison stints for drug charges shaped his raw outlook. Consequently, he turned to music, blending hip-hop, country, and rock to tell his story.
His 2017 mixtape Addiction Kills caught underground buzz, but 2020’s “Save Me” went viral, crossing genres. His 2021 album Ballads of the Broken and 2023’s Whitsitt Chapel hit country charts, with “Son of a Sinner” peaking high. For example, he’s headlined CMA Fest and toured with Shinedown. Now based in Nashville, he’s a genre-bender, often compared to Chris Stapleton for his soulful grit.
Bands and Bandmates
Jelly Roll performs under his own name, backed by a touring band, with no other major band affiliations noted. His current lineup includes:
- Jelly Roll – vocals
- Cody Ash – guitar
- Josh Raymond – bass
- Zach Myers – drums
- Alex Howard – keys
He’s collaborated with Brantley Gilbert and Lainey Wilson, sharing stages on tours. Meanwhile, his marriage to Bunnie XO (Alyssa DeFord) since 2016 draws attention; her podcast Dumb Blonde boosts their brand. For instance, Jelly Roll keeps his focus on music and recovery advocacy, not tabloid drama. His larger-than-life persona drives his appeal, connecting with fans. Sporting a frame with a 200 lb. weight loss, his stage shows are more energetic than they’ve ever been.
Television, Film, and Awards
Jelly Roll’s media presence is robust, tied to his crossover fame. He performed “Save Me” on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in 2021. He also did a cameo in Taylor Sheridan’s hit show, Tulsa King, starring Sylvester Stallone, where he sang a chorus in a recording studio that was set up in a pot shop.
Additionally, his song “Son of a Sinner” was featured in a 2022 episode of Yellowstone, spiking streams. For awards, he won the 2023 Country Music Association (CMA) New Artist of the Year. Moreover, he nabbed three 2024 CMT Music Awards, including Male Video of the Year for “Need a Favor.” Hall of fame talks are early, but his impact grows fast.
Biggest Songs
His tracks dominate country and pop charts, with a few standouts:
- “Son of a Sinner” – Written by Jelly Roll, David Ray, and others, this 2021 hit went platinum.
- “Save Me” – Penned by Jelly Roll and David Ray, this 2020 single topped charts, with millions of streams.
- “Need a Favor” – Written by Jelly Roll, Joe Ragosta, and others, this 2023 track hit radio hard.
Controversies
Jelly Roll’s past fuels occasional drama. His pre-fame drug convictions (1998–2008) resurface in media, though he’s open about his redemption. In 2022, he faced backlash for a collaboration with a rapper linked to gang activity, sparking online debate. He defended it as artistic, not endorsement, and the issue faded. Moreover, in 2023, his comments on Nashville’s “pop-country” scene drew flak from traditionalists, but he clarified respect for all genres. Consequently, fans stayed loyal, and radio play held strong. His advocacy for addiction recovery keeps most focus positive, though his history invites chatter.
The Railbird Redemption
At Railbird, Jelly Roll turned the Limestone Stage into a revival tent. His set felt like a raw, soulful confession. For instance, “Son of a Sinner” opened with his booming voice, pulling fans to their feet. Meanwhile, his banter—about prison nights and second chances—drew cheers from the crowd. Ash’s guitar in “Save Me” wailed soft, sparking lighters in the air.
The stage setup was bold—big screens, guitars, keys, and a cross backdrop symbolizing his faith. As a result, the crowd, a mix of country, rock, and hip-hop fans, got wild, snapping photos. During “Need a Favor,” Jelly Roll’s rap-to-soul shift electrified, earning roars. Moreover, his cover of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Simple Man” was a showstopper, its grit uniting the infield.
Yet, the set had a small snag. A mic feedback squeal during “Save Me” caused a brief pause, but Jelly Roll’s quick joke smoothed it over. Additionally, some fans grumbled about long merch lines cutting into his set time. Nevertheless, the crowd stayed glued, singing every word by the end. The Limestone Stage buzzed with raw emotion, fans raving about his heart.
Jelly Roll’s performance was a Day 2 triumph, blending country soul with festival fire. For example, his story about writing “Save Me” in rehab felt real, hitting home with fans. Meanwhile, his music crossed genres, appealing to all walks. Consequently, he proved he’s a headliner giant, owning the night with raw power. His set was a nod to Railbird’s love for bold, boundary-pushing acts.
As he left the stage, fans lingered, swapping tales of his energy and hunting for merch. His performance showed why Railbird books crossover stars. Jelly Roll brought grit, redemption, and a touch of Nashville soul, making the Limestone Stage his own. As a result, his music echoed across the infield, a blazing cap to Day 2’s finale. The Kentucky night seemed to pulse with his truth as his notes faded.
