Podcast Summary: Sunday Sitdown with Willie Geist – GRAMMY NOMINEE: Jelly Roll

Release Date: January 31, 2025

In this compelling episode of "Sunday Sitdown with Willie Geist," NBC’s Willie Geist engages in an insightful conversation with Grammy-nominated artist Jelly Roll (Jason Deford). The discussion delves deep into Jelly Roll’s transformative journey from a troubled youth to a prominent figure in both hip hop and country music. Below is a comprehensive summary of their conversation, highlighting key topics, notable quotes, and profound insights.

1. Introduction and Guest Background

Willie Geist opens the episode by introducing Jelly Roll, emphasizing his evolution from a rapper to a significant presence in country music. Geist highlights Jelly Roll's dynamic persona, marked by his charismatic stage presence, tattoos, and infectious energy.

Willie Geist [00:51]: "If you don't know Jelly Roll, look him up real quick. You'll know him right away. Big guy, face, tattoos, big smile, lots of energy, lots of charisma and lots of talent as a musician."

2. Rapid Rise and Recent Achievements

The conversation navigates through Jelly Roll’s whirlwind tour schedule, showcasing his immense popularity and the demanding pace of his career. Geist underscores Jelly Roll’s impressive string of sold-out shows, including venues like Madison Square Garden and the Global Citizen Festival.

Willie Geist [04:17]: "Even while you're here in New York, selling out Madison Square Garden, playing Central Park for the Global Citizen Festival, then hopping downtown and doing SNL."

3. Overcoming a Troubled Youth and Legal Challenges

Jelly Roll opens up about his tumultuous past, including his incarceration at a young age and the lasting impact of his actions. He candidly discusses the consequences of his past, such as difficulties with voting rights, housing, and insurance.

Jelly Roll [05:40]: "I'm getting turned down when I want to live in certain areas and communities, to buy a house, having trouble with insurance, can't own a gun. All the things that come with something that happened when I was 16."

Jelly Roll emphasizes personal accountability, rejecting the victim mentality and focusing on redemption and hope.

Jelly Roll [05:35]: "I own up to it, make no excuses, say, I'm not a victim. I was a bad kid. I was a bad young man."

4. Transition from Hip Hop to Country Music

The dialogue transitions to Jelly Roll’s musical journey, highlighting his shift from hip hop to country music. He reflects on how storytelling remains a core element across genres, despite differences in instrumentation and delivery.

Jelly Roll [21:14]: "Hip hop and country music actually aren't that different. They're telling the stories about what's happened outside their front door. The instrument's different. The way they phrase it is different, but it's the same storytelling."

5. "Beautifully Broken" Album – Themes and Messages

Jelly Roll discusses his latest album, "Beautifully Broken," framing it as a personal diary into his mental health. He aims to foster a community of vulnerability and honesty, encouraging conversations about inner struggles.

Jelly Roll [10:48]: "Redemption and hope is where it all leads to... I want people to... create more conversations to grow, move forward."

He explains the album’s title as a reflection of the idea that everyone has their own brokenness, but it doesn’t diminish their beauty.

Jelly Roll [12:01]: "We're all broken, but we're beautiful... Just because one's broken doesn't mean they're not beautiful."

6. Philanthropy and Community Work

A significant portion of the discussion centers on Jelly Roll’s philanthropic efforts, particularly his collaboration with Judge Jim Todd to support at-risk youth. This project, named "Dinkins House," aims to provide vocational training and educational opportunities for juveniles reentering society.

Jelly Roll [16:14]: "Jim Todd's dream was to come back now in the name of Judge Dinkins, and bring opportunities to at-risk youth... I jumped straight in."

He underscores the importance of giving back and rectifying systemic injustices he experienced firsthand.

7. Reflections on Fame and Managing Success

Jelly Roll shares his perspective on sudden fame, maintaining humility despite selling out major venues like Madison Square Garden. He discusses the emotional toll of success and the challenges of balancing a rigorous tour schedule with personal well-being.

Jelly Roll [36:58]: "I'm learning to deal with the schedule, and I'm learning to deal with people... Everything else is really smooth... I'm grateful for it. And I'm learning."

8. Future Plans and Responsibilities as an Artist

Looking ahead, Jelly Roll contemplates the future of his career and his role as a voice for marginalized communities. He expresses a desire to continue telling meaningful stories and possibly diversifying his creative endeavors beyond music.

Jelly Roll [48:57]: "I'm here to tell stories, and I'm just not sure what way I'll be telling stories next year... I'm definitely gonna take some time to spend with the family."

He acknowledges the responsibility that comes with his platform, aiming to inspire and represent those who often go unheard.

Jelly Roll [47:06]: "I hope that when my people see me in a commercial or sitting on this couch, they're like, that's our guy. That's our."

9. Closing Reflections and Humble Beginnings

The episode concludes with Jelly Roll reflecting on his journey from intimate venues to large arenas, maintaining a down-to-earth attitude despite his growing fame. He shares anecdotes about his early performances and the surreal experience of performing at iconic locations like Madison Square Garden.

Jelly Roll [53:44]: "That's it. I want everybody at some point in my show, no matter where we are, I want y'all to feel like we're one at a bar having the night of our life... I want you all to feel like we're all sitting Indian style in the living room together having the most intimate, honest moment you've ever had."

Notable Quotes

• Jelly Roll on Redemption:

  "Redemption and hope is where it all leads to." ([10:48])

• Jelly Roll on Brokenness and Beauty:

  "We're all broken, but we're beautiful." ([12:01])

• Jelly Roll on Philanthropy:

  "I didn't want to be one of those artists that just talked about money and raised it. I wanted to give it away." ([18:05])

• Jelly Roll on Storytelling Responsibility:

  "Sometimes, it's our responsibility as songwriters to tell the stories that aren't being told." ([46:09])

• Jelly Roll on Community and Representation:

  "I hope that when my people see me in a commercial or sitting on this couch, they're like, that's our guy." ([47:06])

Conclusion

Willie Geist’s conversation with Jelly Roll offers an intimate look into the artist’s multifaceted life—his struggles, triumphs, and unwavering commitment to authenticity and community. Jelly Roll's journey from the streets of Antioch to national acclaim serves as an inspiring testament to resilience and the power of honest storytelling in music.

For listeners seeking inspiration and a deeper understanding of Jelly Roll’s impact on music and society, this episode is a must-listen.