Jelly Roll - A star is born again at Rock the South

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Soulful Country Blues 

(Rock the South - Day 1)

Jelly Roll **** a nickname his mom gave him, when he was young. Is now his alter ego, and his persona in the music World. Born Jason Deford (Aka Jelly Roll) grew up in one of the roughest areas south of Nashville, Antioch. Growing up a teenager Jelly Roll was arrested several times and convicted. After several years, and not being able to see his daughter being born.Jelly Roll pulled him self up and out and focused on his music. From hood life to stardom, it's been a very exciting time for Jelly Roll. And now he is even headlining the first night of the Rock the South festival to a packed crowd, what more would a singer want.

Jelly Roll all dressed in black came on stage and thanked the crowd for coming, he really is a very humble man. And this is why people can relate to Jelly Roll, because many have the same upbringing. They have been throught the hard times, as well as the good times. They have dealt with the pain and suffering, the happiness and the love. At every show Jelly Roll always thanks the people and God for everything he has today, and I think with how his life is going this is really working for him. He talks to the audience between songs, and even signs autographs... he has a strong connection with his fans and this is what a true star always has.

Jelly Roll sings with feeling and Soul, he is a man who really can identify with Country music. Feeling the hurt of 'The Lost', and the pain of 'Son of a Sinner'. Not to mention his Rock side with 'Halfway to Hell' and 'Same Asshole' which is in a montage with 'Son of the dirty South' and 'Wild Ones'. Which he could have done full versions of, because his set is far too short. I think Jelly Roll will evolve with time, and will try so many interesting things and collaborations. For me the highlight of his set are 'Liar' and 'Bottle and Mary Jane', both of which are near the end of his set. 

You really don't want him to end, and you know he ends the first day of the festival with style. And his set is going to be a hard on to follow, I'm sure he will be back at a future Rock the South event. He was enjoyable, and had a great connection with the audience. Everything you want from your headliner, looking forward to hearing new music from Jelly Roll in the next year.

Review and Photos by Rock-That-Shot Bridget

Jelly Roll - Setlist
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The Lost
Halfway to Hell
Same Asshole / Son of the dirty South / Wild Ones
Son of a Sinner
Friends in low Places (Dewayne Blackwell Cover)
Liar
I am not Okay
Smoking Section
Bottle and Mary Jane
Need a Favor

Check Out! the Video for 'Liar' Below...