CONCERT REVIEW: Jelly Roll Sells Out Home Crowd to End Tour

Nashville is mostly known for country music and honky-tonks; other genres are overwhelmingly eclipsed by the presence of these things in our image. Many do not realize just how vibrant and diverse the music scene in the Music City really is. One crowning example of that is Jelly Roll, our very own South Nashville-claiming, major touring rap artist.

Right back where it all started….

Tonight, ending his tour right back in the home town he left, Jelly Roll, AKA Jason DeFord, played to a sold-out show at one of Nashville’s biggest and best known venues: Marathon Music Works. In his own Instagram story, you can see as Jason departs his plane to return home in Nashville to the news that his show is sold out. Like a kid on Christmas, he has a twinkle in his eye, and it is instantly apparent that he is more excited for this show than maybe any other in his entire career.

A Family Affair

Finally, we get to the show. Before Jason even comes on stage, it quickly becomes apparent that this evening is truly a family affair. Just before he comes on stage, while his DJ is gettin the crowd as hyped as they can, DeFord’s mother is quietly wheeled into place behind the drum kit to watch as her son performs for a legion of anxious fans. This is especially touching when you realize that, as he has evolved and changed, DeFord’s music has evolved with him. The artist started his career singing songs about selling drugs and making money, and while these topics still appear in his songs, they are about finding redemption from those earlier sins.

DeFord sings on his most recent album, Crosses and Crossroads, about caring for his mother in her older age and helping her to cope with dementia and the pain associated with that. On another song Jelly Roll shares track time with his young daughter, whom he allowed to write and record her own verse. After a couple of songs he also brings out his wife to share a quick drink and a kiss. All of these things point to a man who is truly trying to make peace with his old demons and move on to coping and dealing with things in responsible and healthy ways.

Redemption, with a wild side.

Do not let this make you think that the man has gone soft, however, because while Jelly Roll may now be advocating for responsibility in his songs, he still also radiates the idea of living life to its fullest, a man who enjoys a good drink and knows (most) of his limits but always likes to push them in the name of fun. Welcome home, Jelly Roll! “The Ville” missed you!

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