Classic Replay | Music Saved Me with Jelly Roll

Summary

Podcast Summary: Classic Replay | Music Saved Me with Jelly Roll

Podcast Information:

• Title: takin' a walk
• Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts
• Episode: Classic Replay | Music Saved Me with Jelly Roll
• Release Date: January 26, 2025

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Introduction

In this heartfelt episode of "Music Saved Me," hosted by Lynne Hoffman, listeners are introduced to Jelly Roll, one of music's fastest-rising stars. The podcast delves into Jelly Roll's personal journey, exploring how music has been a lifeline for him and countless others.

Early Life and the Power of Music ([03:31] - [04:27])

Jelly Roll, whose real name is Jason D. Ford, hails from Nashville, Tennessee. He shares his early experiences with music, emphasizing its pivotal role in his life:

Jelly Roll ([03:31]): "Music saved me two or three times over. The first time I seen music have a real impact at all was in my household... That's how music started saving my life."

Growing up in a household where music was the unifying language, Jelly Roll recounts moments where music brought his large family together, especially during his mother's struggles with addiction and mental health issues. Music not only provided solace but also illuminated his mother's presence, offering rare glimpses of her beyond her struggles.

Music as Therapy ([04:27] - [07:07])

The conversation shifts to the therapeutic nature of music. Jelly Roll echoes host Lynne Hoffman's sentiments about music's healing properties:

Jelly Roll ([04:36]): "I believe music is therapeutic. It's the closest thing to therapy I got until I was in my 30s."

He elaborates on how music serves different purposes—some pieces are meant to be heard, while others are meant to be felt deeply. This duality allows music to be a constant, comforting presence in people's lives, helping them navigate through emotional and mental challenges.

Impact on Fans and Community ([07:35] - [10:00])

Jelly Roll expresses his mission to create music that genuinely helps people, drawing from his own experiences and the challenging environment he grew up in:

Jelly Roll ([05:16]): "My mission statement for my music is to hope that it helps in some sort of way. That's how I got into music."

He emphasizes writing songs for those who feel overlooked, particularly individuals battling addiction, poverty, and other hardships. By being a vessel for healing, Jelly Roll aims to connect with his audience on a profound level, offering hope and understanding through his music.

Music, Religion, and Healing ([10:20] - [12:11])

The discussion delves into the intersection of music and faith. Jelly Roll believes that blending music with spirituality enhances its healing power:

Jelly Roll ([08:19]): "Music has a healing power all by itself. And when you let God in it, it's undeniable."

He reflects on historical instances where music and the Holy Spirit intertwined, such as in Southern Baptist churches where music facilitated spiritual experiences. For Jelly Roll, incorporating faith into his music allows for a more open and honest expression of his beliefs and offers an additional layer of comfort and hope to his listeners.

Addressing Social Issues Through Music ([09:17] - [10:28])

Jelly Roll touches upon societal issues, specifically the treatment and perception of incarcerated individuals. He advocates for compassion and rehabilitation over punishment:

Jelly Roll ([09:17]): "The biggest thing they need to understand is that those people need help."

He urges listeners to extend kindness and support to those in prison, highlighting the importance of human connection and understanding in the process of rehabilitation. Jelly Roll believes that music can be a powerful tool in bridging gaps and fostering empathy among people from diverse backgrounds.

Music as a Unifying Force ([10:28] - [12:11])

In a divided world, Jelly Roll highlights music's unique ability to bring people together, transcending political and cultural boundaries:

Jelly Roll ([10:28]): "Music brings everybody together. It always has and it always will."

He shares personal anecdotes of witnessing individuals with opposing beliefs connect and find common ground through shared musical experiences. This universal language of pain and joy fosters a sense of unity and mutual understanding, reinforcing music's role as a powerful connector in society.

Jelly Roll's Musical Journey and Legacy ([12:11] - [15:07])

Reflecting on his career, Jelly Roll expresses pride in his ability to impact lives through music. He appreciates the streaming era for allowing his music to reach an infinite audience without the limitations of physical media:

Jelly Roll ([12:11]): "I'm proud that my music is helping people, and that it will live on forever through streaming."

He recounts his first foray into rapping as a young teenager, using music as a means to bring joy to his struggling family. This early experience solidified his belief in music's transformative power and set the foundation for his future endeavors as an artist dedicated to making a meaningful difference.

Fan Reactions and Community Impact ([13:01] - [14:03])

Listeners share their experiences of how Jelly Roll's music has touched their lives, highlighting the authenticity and emotional depth of his artistry:

Fan ([13:01]): "Jelly Roll seems to be able to hit a lot of different emotional places... he's real, he's genuine."

These testimonials underscore the profound connection between Jelly Roll and his audience, reinforcing his commitment to creating music that resonates on a deeply personal level.

Conclusion: The Mission Forward ([15:07] - [17:16])

Lynne Hoffman wraps up the episode by celebrating Jelly Roll as an authentic storyteller whose mission is to spread positivity and make a tangible difference through his music. Jelly Roll's dedication to helping others and his unwavering belief in music's healing power stand as a testament to his impact both as an artist and as a compassionate individual.

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Notable Quotes:

• Jelly Roll ([05:16]): "My mission statement for my music is to hope that it helps in some sort of way."
• Jelly Roll ([08:19]): "Music has a healing power all by itself. And when you let God in it, it's undeniable."
• Jelly Roll ([10:28]): "Music brings everybody together. It always has and it always will."
• Jelly Roll ([12:11]): "I'm proud that my music is helping people, and that it will live on forever through streaming."

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Key Takeaways:

• Therapeutic Role of Music: Music serves as a vital therapeutic tool for both the artist and the audience, providing comfort and healing during challenging times.
• Authentic Storytelling: Jelly Roll's genuine approach to music allows him to connect deeply with his listeners, addressing real-life issues and emotions.
• Unifying Force: Music transcends barriers, fostering unity and understanding among diverse groups of people.
• Social Responsibility: Jelly Roll advocates for compassion and rehabilitation, using his platform to highlight and address societal issues.

This episode of "Music Saved Me" offers an inspiring exploration of how music can transform lives, heal wounds, and bring people together, embodied perfectly by Jelly Roll's personal and musical journey.

Transcript

[Bobby Bones]

Hey, it's Bobby Bones. Join me and former NFL quarterback Matt Castle every Wednesday for our new podcast, Lots to say with Bobby Bones and Matt Castle. Between us, we have over 17,500 passing yards, multiple New York Times bestsellers, and one mirrorball trophy from Dancing with the Star. So where else are you going to find a show with that much athleticism and football insight? We talk sports, but we talk pop culture and music and a little bit of everything. Listen to Lots to Say with Bobby Bones and Matt castle on the iHeartRadio app, Apple podcast or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Tank]

This week on the R B Money podcast, Tank and Jay Valentine sit down with the one and only Snoop Dogg.

[Snoop Dogg]

I wanted to be here personally to come give y'all y'all flowers and let y'all know y'all doing an amazing job.

[Matt Castle]

Yes, sir.

[Snoop Dogg]

I love the outlet. I love how y'all treat the artists that come on here. I love how y'all speak to the realization of R B music and R B money.

[Tank]

Snoop Dogg on R B Money. Listen to this episode on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts. Apple or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Martin Luther King III]

Welcome to My Legacy. I'm Martin Luther King iii and together with my wife, Andrea Waters King, and our dear friends Mark and Craig Kilburger, we explore the personal journeys that shape extraordinary lives.

[Lexi Brown]

Join us for heartfelt conversations with remarkable guests like David Oyelowo, Mel Robbins, Martin Sheen, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, and Billy Porter.

[Tank]

Listen to my legacy on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. This is My Legacy.

[Lexi Brown]

I'm so sick of hearing men talk about women's basketball. This is Lexi Brown and Mariah Rose, and we've got a new podcast, Full Circle. Every Wednesday, we're catching you up on what's going on in women's basketball. We've got you with analysis, inside stories, and a little bit of tea. Full circle is an iHeart women's sports production and partnership with Deep Blue Sports and Entertainment. Listen to Full circle on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Lynne Hoffman]

Presented by Elf Beauty, founding partner of iHeart Women's Sports Music Saved Me. Musicians on Call is a charity that is perfectly aligned with the mission of this podcast. Delivering the healing power of music. Since 1999. Why not become a volunteer or a supporter by going to musiciansoncall.org I believe music is therapeutic.

[Matt Castle]

I've always said it, and what I call what I do is therapeutic music. And I think Music is probably the closest thing to therapy I got. Until I was in my 30s, it was the closest thing to a healing thing I could do. And music I thought was meant to. I always say it this way. Some music's meant to be heard and some music's meant to be felt. And when I was young, I got hyper focused on the feeling of music and how music made people feel, how constant and present it always was in our lives.

[Lynne Hoffman]

This podcast is called Music Saved Me. And on each episode we'll look at a musician. We'll delve into their story, their deep connection to music. We'll talk with their fans, everyday people with their own story to tell about how music has saved them in challenging times. I'm Lynne Hoffman, your host for the Music Saved Me podcast. Hey. We are so lucky to have one of music's fastest rising stars on Music Saved Me. His music defies categorization, running the gambit from rap to rock. But his big break has come from the country music world. He was born and bred in Nashville, and his name is Jelly Rol. Jelly Roll, welcome to the show. Tell everyone who you are and how music has saved you.

[Matt Castle]

Well, you know, my name is Jelly Roll. I'm Jason D. Ford. I'm from Nashville, Tennessee. Music saved me two or three times over. The first time I seen music have a real impact at all was in my household. None of us played music, but everybody loved music, and music was the language of the house. So every bedroom would blare different music. And my mother, who struggled with drugs and struggled with a lot of mental health stuff, she didn't leave her room very much, but when she would, she would come down to the kitchen and she would play records, and the whole house would just flock to the kitchen, all six, seven of us, you know, And I just remember that's the only time we've seen her in a different light. You know, one of the. I mean, kind of one of the few times we've seen her at all. But I just remember how impactful the music was and how much it meant back then, you know, And I think that was the beginning of music starting to save my life.

[Lynne Hoffman]

Now, do you believe music has sort of supernatural healing powers, you know, for mental, physical, or maybe even emotional problems?

[Matt Castle]

I believe music is therapeutic. I've always said it. And what I call what I do is therapeutic music. And I think music is probably the closest thing to therapy I got until I was in my 30s. It was the closest thing to a healing thing I could do. And music I thought Was meant to. I always say it this way. Some music's meant to be heard, and some music's meant to be felt. And when I was young, I got hyper focused on the feeling of music and how music made people feel and how constant and present it always was in our lives.

[Lynne Hoffman]

Okay, describe to me how it feels when you know that your music is really impacting a fan.

[Matt Castle]

I would think that I would hope. My mission statement for my music is to hope that it helps in some sort of way. That's how I got into music. Right. I wanted music to help people the way it helped my mother. I wanted to be a vessel of helping people the way I watch music help the people around me so much, you know? And I just wanted to write songs for the people that I feel like nobody writes songs for, you know? And I lived in a certain culture. Drugs. There were a lot of drugs. There was a lot of. A lot of addiction, a lot of alcoholism, a lot of poverty, a lot of real middle class, just kind of check to check stuff. And I feel like nobody was really writing songs for those people. My people, Our people.

[Lynne Hoffman]

All right, I'm going to quote you now. You've said, and I quote, I make music for people, not money. Can you please elaborate on that?

[Matt Castle]

Yeah. Well, the first. The biggest joke I make is if I was making music for Money, I quit 20 years ago. You know, I sure didn't get any until two years ago. So I had an intimate time to quit. To me, music was purpose. And as long as my music's doing something for somebody, I'll always make it. And even then, I'll probably still make it because my music's always done something for me. My intention from day one was to try to help people the way that music helped me.

[Lynne Hoffman]

That is such a beautiful sentiment. What is it about music that gives people hope, do you think?

[Matt Castle]

I think music vocalizes what we often cannot. And there's also a thing where music makes us. It's a comforting thing. It's a. It's a moment of not feeling alone. Right?

[Lynne Hoffman]

Yeah.

[Matt Castle]

When Adele said. They said time's supposed to heal you, but I ain't done much healing. And the song hello. I still get goosebumps on my legs just saying that lyric.

[Lynne Hoffman]

I have goosebumps hearing you say that lyric.

[Matt Castle]

You know, it's these moments of that you. That music just feels all over you. I mean, I literally got goosebumps on my arm just thinking about lyrics.

[Lynne Hoffman]

It really is incredible. It's. It's physical. The reaction. Now this is something really amazing. You've paid respects to families in person who have family members who have passed away in a. In a tragic death. What is that experience like for you?

[Matt Castle]

It's, it's a. It's a double edged sword. You know, I'm very. I'm an empath, so I feel, I feel the pain of people and that, that weighs on me at times. But it's also a blessing because God put me in a situation to bring a little bit of light to really dark situations. And I feel like that's a great responsibility that God's given me and I take it real serious and I'll never complain. The joke I make about the music business, period, is I'll never. I got every problem I ever prayed for, you know, and I love it.

[Lynne Hoffman]

So expand on this for me. How music fused with religion, why it's such a powerful combination.

[Matt Castle]

Yeah, I think it's hopeful, right?

[Lynne Hoffman]

Absolutely.

[Matt Castle]

So I think that one, I think music, me personally, music allows me an opportunity to speak about my faith in a way that's more open and honest than I probably could in a building that was labeled some sort of a denominational thing. So I think that music has a healing power all by itself. And when you let God in it, you know, it's undeniable. Right. When anytime you let the spirit get into the music and there's all, there's. There's a lot of people who believe that even in the Christian faith, that the Holy Spirit was music driven. Which is why in the early days in Southern Baptist churches, the Holy Spirit would come on when the music and the hands started clapping, you know, that's when people would receive the spirit.

[Lynne Hoffman]

What do you feel that people really need to understand? You know, those of us who live in the real world, about those who are serving time in prison, I think.

[Matt Castle]

The biggest thing they need to understand is that those people need help. I think that we get so caught up on discipline and the idea of discipline that we have somewhere along the way forgot the idea of rehabilitation, you know, and these people in jail, they need voices, they need encouragement, you know, I think that's a reason, ironically, to go back to the Bible. Jesus's commands were so simple. Love your neighbor, go visit people in jail, feed the poor. Like even that far back in time, there was an understanding of that people in jail needed to be loved. You know what I mean?

[Lynne Hoffman]

Yeah.

[Matt Castle]

So I just try to carry that message to people today is, you know, go, go the places people are. You know, it's real easy to go to a. A function and donate money. And that helps a lot. You know, it does. But I would encourage people to go in there and talk to some of these guys and make a presence.

[Lynne Hoffman]

We live today in such a divided world. How can music minimize that dividedness? Is that even a word?

[Matt Castle]

I tell you this, man, music brings everybody together. It always has and it always will. Music is the. It's like dinner. It's like a supper table thing, right? It's what brings everybody around. It's a. I have seen hardcore conservatives and hardcore Democrats crying in each other's arms at concerts.

[Lynne Hoffman]

Wow.

[Matt Castle]

You know, it just. Just. It's pains an international language. And I think music speaks to pain more than it does anything. At least my particular music. And when you're going through something like that in life, you start to realize how much that other don't matter, you know? And it's just a real clear understanding. And I think music brings that to a surface level with people, and it goes back to the common bond theory. You know what I mean? It's. My brother's a big UT Vols fan, and if you're a UT Vols fan, that's all he needs to know about you to at least initially like you. You know what I'm saying? You know what I mean? You got a foot in the door just being a Vols fan alone.

[Lynne Hoffman]

Totally get what you're saying.

[Matt Castle]

So it's like, I think it's cool when you see cultures connect through music. Like, whenever I see a guy that I don't think would be a Deadhead, and he's a Deadhead, and it just tickles me pink.

[Lynne Hoffman]

I love it.

[Matt Castle]

You know what I mean? Because I'm like, really? And he's like, dude, I went to the Chicago Dead Company show, did it last year. And, you know, it's like, it's awesome, man. Music, does it. Think about how many times we find those moments, right, where you're just like, oh, my God, I would have never guessed you were a fish fan. That's so cool. You know what I mean?

[Lynne Hoffman]

Never judge a book by its cover. What would you say would be your proudest accomplishment in music or what you're most proud of that your music has done?

[Matt Castle]

I think the thing I'm the most proud of is believing that my music is helping people, believing that the music helps and the music can always be there to help. I think that's something else I'm proud of, is that I'm proud that I was lucky enough to come in the streaming era where the music will Live there for infinity, you know what I mean? And that. That I love that I'm alive during the streaming era and I don't have to go rebuy the Bob Seger and the Bullet Band Silver Bullet Band album for the 30th time because I've scratched the other 29 or lost them switching cars, you know, I'm glad that I can just go listen to Beautiful Loser whenever I want to, you know?

[Lynne Hoffman]

That is so true. You can take it with you everywhere now. You don't have to worry about anything. Let's hear from Jelly Roll's fans. Certainly has a lot of them.

[Jelly Roll]

Jelly Roll seems to be able to hit a lot of different emotional places and. And I think that he speaks to the common person. Thankfully, he's, as an artist, has really come forward and gone upward. But I think people recognize that he puts his heart into it and he says what he needs to say. And he's real, he's genuine.

[Fan]

For me, personally, I think it's a great collaboration of a couple of different kinds of music. And it can reach, like, it touches different kinds of music that I've liked through the years. Everything that he's been through holds so many stigmas in the public eye. And opening up in music is a great way for so many different audiences and people to connect together and understand what he's going through.

[Lynne Hoffman]

Now, you've done a lot of different music in your time. Do you remember the first time you rapped?

[Matt Castle]

Oh, absolutely. My mother struggled with, like, mental health and addiction stuff, right? And she'd come to the kitchen and the whole house would come. We'd listen to music. And when I realized that music was affecting her addiction, I was like, oh, this makes mom happy. I should go write music, right? So I went upstairs and I. And I wrote a rap because hip hop was super influential in our culture. And. And I was. I went downstairs with my little sheet of paper and she had all of her friends at the kitchen table. I called them a Golden Girls, like six or seven of them. They'd all come to the kitchen table together. They just change, smoked cigarettes. And I came down. She turned the record off and said, what you got? I said, listen to this. And I held my little sheet of paper up and I was shaking the whole time. And I wrapped her a little rap. And I was probably 12 years old, 11 years old. I don't like. I just remember that feeling of everybody cheering me on and telling me to go write another one. And in hindsight, they were just trying to get rid of me. That's how we do, kids.

[Jelly Roll]

Yeah.

[Lynne Hoffman]

Great.

[Matt Castle]

Go write another one of those.

[Lynne Hoffman]

That is so cool. Thank you so much. This has been just an amazing few minutes to spend with an amazing artist and person. We have just heard the authentic story of an incredible storyteller and someone who truly honors the impact of music in all of our lives. Jelly Roll is on a mission to spread the good words of his music and make a real difference in the world. And I think he's doing just that. I'm Lynne Hoffman and thank you so much for listening to this episode of Music Saved Me.

[Bobby Bones]

Hey, it's Bobby Bones. Join me and former NFL quarterback Matt Castle every Wednesday for our new podcast, Lots to say with Bobby Bones and Matt Castle. Between us, we have over 17,500 passing yards, multiple New York Times bestsellers, and one mirrorball trophy from Dancing with the Star. So where else are you gonna find a show with that much athleticism and football insight? We talk sports, but we talk pop culture and music. And a little bit of everything List had a lot to say with Bonnie, Bobby Bones and Matt castle on the iHeartRadio app, Apple podcast or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Tank]

This week on the R B Money podcast, Tank and Jay Valentine sit down with the one and only Snoop Dogg.

[Snoop Dogg]

I wanted to be here personally to come get y'all y'all flowers and let y'all know y'all doing an amazing job.

[Matt Castle]

Yes, sir.

[Snoop Dogg]

I love the outlet. I love how y'all treat the artists that come on here. I love how y'all speak to the realization of R B music and R B money.

[Tank]

Snoop Dogg on R and B Money. Listen to this episode on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Lexi Brown]

I'm so sick of hearing men talk about women's basketball. This is Lexi Brown and Mariah Rose and we've got a new podcast, Full Circle. Every Wednesday, we're catching you up on what's going on in women's basketball. We've got you with analysis, inside stories, and a little bit of tea. Full circle is an iHeart woman's sports production in partnership with Deep Blue Sports and Entertainment. Listen to Full circle on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Lynne Hoffman]

Presented by Elf Beauty, founding partner of.

[Martin Luther King III]

Iheart Women's Sports, calling all Yellowstone fans.

[Matt Castle]

Let'S go to work.

[Martin Luther King III]

Join Bobby Bones on the official Yellowstone podcast for exclusive cast interviews, behind the scenes insights, and a deep dive into the themes that have made Yellowstone a cultural phenomenon. It Dark family legacy news. This ranch and I protect I live my life. Listen to the official Yellowstone Podcast now on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.