Jelly Roll on Writing Songs in Prison, Pre-Show Ritual, Beautifully Broken Tour & Fan Questions

Jelly Roll talks to Guest Host Martin Short and Jane Lynch about his interview with Howard Stern, writing songs while he was in prison, getting face tattoos, his new album coming out in the Fall, his new single “I Am Not Okay,” touring in Canada, the pre-show ritual he does with his band, and we head out to a crowd of his fans in our back lot to ask some questions.
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Jimmy Kimmel serves as host and executive producer of Emmy® nominated “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” ABC’s late-night talk show. “Jimmy Kimmel Live” is well known for its viral video successes, with over 16 billion views and more than 19 million subscribers on the show’s KZbin channel. Some of Kimmel’s most popular comedy bits include Celebrities Read Mean Tweets, Lie Witness News, Halloween Candy KZbin Challenge, Jimmy and Cousin Sal pranking Aunt Chippy and music stars like Rihanna and Dua Lipa surprising Jimmy in the middle of the night.

[@-AdamTheGreat-]

If you haven’t seen it, watch his testimony to congress about the fentanyl crisis. It is so good and so moving.

[@Allastrology]

Yup!

[@Yippity68]

Very Powerful!

[@monl3807]

Seen it and yes very powerful speech. 1:47

[@EricaSeb]

It’s incredible and so moving!

[@jefferyjones7765]

If you like ushering in tyrannical government 😂

[@yolosubmarine]

So many haters being buried in the comments. How dare you not cheer for a reformed man. A family man, a man that is telling his story. Get outta this thread.

[@kyllancarrington]

I concur with your sentiment 100%♡.

[@chrisc187c7]

Get em fam 💯

[@sahamation]

True…yet I absolutely hate his tattoos

[@juliearendt9299]

Agree I LOVE jelly roll!!

[@katmelo6473]

I bet those Haters are just a bunch of prepubescent adult's. Whom have failed to leave their parents house. And despise those who have done exceedingly well. Despite their troubled past .

[@user-zi7no6rn2u]

Dude's out here changing his ways for the better and getting recognized for it. Much love and mad respect. This kind of celebration should be the norm.

[@ggabc9479]

Yea as long as he .aking money he honest

[@wendykennedy5371]

I am 62 and love Jelly Roll. Turn song Save Me so loud as listening to it Everytime it comes on. Jelly is such a a humble, lovable soul. ❤

[@beverlyastorga6825]

I'm 68 and I love him and his family! Beautiful voice..

[@SandyWolf-]

I'm 60 and love him as well😊

[@wgooetrik]

Im 300 and love him.

[@megadezziescat1124]

64 yr old woman. ❤ Jelly Roll.

[@SesameStreetRacingChannel]

Proof that every human has some type of gift...some "good" in them to share...

[@BroccoliDwarf]

I like Short having the guests on at the same time - Jimmy should adopt that when he is back, because it makes for a much more dynamic and (at times) unexpected interview 🙂

[@RedEmizor]

Old school style \m/

[@EvilChiId]

I agree, but only when it's entertainment celebrities or people already in the spotlight. Having newer authors or scientists or what have you alongside Hollywood A-listers could diminish their informational message.

[@jodigower4189]

Jimmy used to do this all the time, so it would be bringing it back!

[@carina9295]

like with Snoop or Tyson?

[@peteparker22]

That's why the British style of show is so much more entertaining. Just have all the celebrities out there at the same time. So many cool interactions can happen

[@SHAYUPIVER]

I just love Jelly. He is such a humble man and he never forgets where he came from. Him and his wife are truly awesome people. ❤❤

[@bluebellbeatnik4945]

well no he's not really humble since he went for the sterotypical 'hot wife'. he's not unique, not ordinary, not humble.

[@geeayy8748]

How could you not love this guy 😊

[@WendyDahling3]

“Music is the words we can’t find ourselves.” -Jelly Roll Definitely so true!

[@tatertimeofficial]

Got to chat with Jelly before his show in KC. Genuine human & he really does care about his fans. Love him

[@matison____]

This man makes me smile every time I see him. such a kind soul.

[@Shea3224]

Aww. My Heart!! That talented, yet authentic, REAL, humble, & kind Inspiring Mans music moves you, It speaks to you, the CHILLS I get!! He is MORE than "just a singer!!" He is a motivational speaker!! Jelly Roll is proof there is hope!! Jelly Roll is a Beautiful, Brave, Strong, Inspiring WARRIOR!! Jelly Roll is a Beautiful OVERCOMER!! I Love Jelly so much!! 🥰💜

[@jeannieshrewsberry1329]

I do too!❤

[@Ohsolovely2]

Love jelly roll. He came a long way and so happy we got to see him tell his story.

[@ashleyerin7069]

He and Bunnie deserve every last bit of success they've achieved.. They're both such down to earth people❤

[@sethchapman8001]

Been a fan of Jelly Roll for a while now, since before the explosion. I absolutely love him, he has to be the most down to earth, humble, genuine celebrity there is. Watching him interact with his fans is really something special.

[@vickyhanson7307]

Jelly roll your words on depression just meant so much to me. ❤❤❤❤

[@timjones3820]

A new fan. Right now.

[@Shea3224]

He's THE BEST!!

[@satyasunshine9737]

Same!!!🫶🫶🫶💖💖💖🎵🎶🥰🔮🫂

[@batcat84]

Jelly is a beautiful soul 💞🤩❤️🤩

[@maryrk0904]

Oh he cracks me up! I just love him. His story is incredible.

[@kelliwaska5830]

I saw Jelly Roll at a Yelawolf concert about 11 or 12 years ago in Minneapolis. He is so different now, but always still such a presence everywhere he goes. I love it, love his family style of touring and his down to earth and very very real content on what’s happening in the community.

[@thatdjnurse]

I absolutely LOVE the large couch format where both guests are there. I wish that happened more often. It's always so damn cool to see Jane Lynch.

[@Arizona_lilly]

He’s such a sweetheart and just loving

[@shannonwood9110]

We love JellyRolls' music and message of redemption. Fantastic roll model and living proof change is possible. For those out there struggling, never give up and always keep hope.

[@Lisa-vk2jw]

Jelly is a cool guy. Happy for his success, he earned it.

[@rykersmimi]

It makes me beyond proud of & for Jelly that hes finally getting the recognition he deserves!! Been watching & rocking with him for over 10 yrs. This man DESERVES everything he's getting right now and so much more! Talk about a real from the bottom to the top story. Jelly and his amazing wife Bunnie are salt of the earth people and great role models for so many people!

[@veggigoddess]

No clue who he is, hadn't even heard of him until yesterday when I saw a thumbnail of him speaking to congress. Whoever this person is, he seems like a complete sweetheart, delight, and clearly a worthwhile human being to speak up in Congress near and dear to his heart

[@user-oo7yp4pn8q]

He a fraud who preys on the weak minded

[@naturesjewels21]

Got my tickets to see him at Ottawa Bluesfest and am sooo excited!

[@allenedward4364]

can we just have martin short for good? This was such a good interview, id actually watch a late night show with Martin Short.

[@donnabearden5017]

@allendward- Me too ! Gosh, I would stay up late just to watch him. He's great !

[@Nay-kp6uu]

When I first heard of him, saw him months ago I was like, "Who is this clown?" The more I seen the more I love the guy. Never judge a book by it's cover, I should know that by now.

[@SesameStreetRacingChannel]

One of the best guest appearances EVER on Jimmy Kimmel...Nice job, Marty, Jane, and Jelly!!

[@mandcbruce]

He has the most beautiful smile. Pure joy!❤

[@badjuju2612]

It makes me smile to see Jelly's come up. I've followed him from the beginning, and I can't think of an artist who deserves it more. It's such an awesome thing to see the world embrace someone us oucast relate to.

[@KGBookkeeping]

To be interviewed by the great Martin Short, great times!

[@chitchatpaddiwack5638]

I just heard “I’m Not Okay”, and didn’t know where it came from. It’s a great song.

[@big_rockstar]

he doesn't write his new music. he stopped writing his music when he became a country music singer.

[@beverlyastorga6825]

All of his songs are great songs! And that voice

[@big_rockstar]

@@beverlyastorga6825 lol your crazy. You will like what ever the mainstream feeds to you.

[@gritbottcher8475]

@@big_rockstar he doesn‘t write his new music? He wrote during the last year 150-200 new songs…

[@big_rockstar]

@@gritbottcher8475 delusional much

[@CamMcGinn1981]

I was completely unaware of him until I watched this, but I really love him. He's captivating. :)

[@inzanity5755]

this man is my inspiration to do better he's an amazing human being and I love his demeanor and his past life of things I completely relate and would love to meet this man and give him a hug he gives us hope as regular people we need someone to represent us.been dealing with my own demons and addiction and this man alone gives us regular Joe's hope we can get sober and make it love you jelly!!!!!

[@ann-mariewickham3108]

❤this is a beautiful genuine person❤love him,he could not be any sweet❤❤ love from a Canadian gal❤

[@josephtwining752]

Jelly Roll is what the World needs. His character is unmatched. Even if his style of music isn’t your thing, he will make it your thing. You can’t dislike Jelly Roll.

[@demitasse22]

He was just appointed as a US Global Music Ambassador by the US Secretary of State. Now I know why

[@nah....6151]

I dislike bro country and I also dislike butt rock, his music is a hybrid of the two

[@JoshuaTraffanstedt]

His style of music? Bro literally has something for everyone lol.

[@gloriaorth4628]

Jelly's the true American Dream, rags to riches story and all time best come back! Congrats Mr. DEFORD👏 love you, your music and your whole positive message/vibe for life. Looking good too 👌

[@JoshuaTraffanstedt]

I've been listening to jelly roll for years since he was a rapper from Tennessee. Great to see him blowing up like this. It always fascinates me how humble he is. I was watching UFC 303 on Saturday and he was in attendance. A fighter came out to one of his songs and he looked absolutely stoked that a ufc fighter would do that. It's like no matter the heights he reaches he can't quite believe he's done it and he's soaking in every single moment. This thing couldn't have happened to a better dude. What a legend.

[@jasonmoffatt2345]

Jelly roll makes me cry when he speaks motivational such a great and humble man

[@amymitchell1054]

Two of my absolute favorites! Martin short and jelly roll!! Nothing better!

[@markyouneva7840]

I just learned about Jelly Roll not too long ago and I find him to be a really cool guy, funny, articulate, talented song writer, just down to Earth. He also mentored contestants on Idol and he was well liked

[@dogsrule4678]

So much respect for Jelly Roll, love him to pieces. Who cares about the haters.

[@downundercolour]

GORGEOUS HUNK OF A MAN!!!!! Bunnie has changed him to become an even better man... we love you Bunnie xo

[@mannzutier]

Never really listened to his music or knew anything other then a giggle when hearing "Jelly Roll". Pardon my language here ...I'll be damned if this MF made me laugh, cry and laugh again. Then I heard the song ...

[@MegaDarkside007]

You have to love this man. Literally, there's no. Maybe there's no kind of. Its all in or not. I love this dude. Much respect, Jelly, be safe. god bless, stay humble. God walks with you everyday

[@rossburg84]

An inspiration.

[@TexMex-xt3vl]

Nothing but good vibes from this incredible man. I hope he never changes.

[@elegantgypsyrose5328]

I hope he always changes. Who wants to be stuck one way, no matter how awesome it is, forever. Change brought him here and I want to see where else it can take him. Roll on Jelly, roll on. ❤

[@NellieKAdaba]

@@elegantgypsyrose5328 I agree.

[@SimbaRobyn]

I really like this dude. He just so genuine & nice! 😊

[@Fbxoutdoor]

I like how Martin Short asks real questions about how Jelly Roll got started and his time in jail. Its refreshing to see people ask the real questions we are all wondering! Jelly is THE MAN!!!!!!

[@mwazowski5662]

I absolutely love this guy! ❤ love you Jelly

[@NewMessage]

We kinda do call it Canadian Bacon... but it's actually called 'peameal bacon'. Some old guys call it 'back bacon', namely Bob and Doug from Mr. Short's old show.

[@SelenMakrova-np4lg]

You're a natural on camera, keep shining!

[@WhyWorldWet]

I never knew any of that about him, amazing journey and story. Big big hugs Jelly!

[@erikaoxoxo936]

I love me some Jelly Roll and Bunny - my wife who had a hard upringing reflects on your songs so much and I love every single song you have sang. Save me resonated with me for my cousin aka my sister that passed from addiction after being clean for a few months so thank you for being awesome and talented ❤❤❤

[@Monika-mh2je]

I like the new setup: the guests staying together. 😉

[@TiffanySmith-ce3hn]

A true relatable humble human .he and Bunnie. Love their whole family ❤

[@desperatedave3573]

AS a huge FAN of JELLY for years! I am so happy to watch this and see him GET HIS TIME IN THE SPOTLIGHT.. HE DESERVES IT MORE THEN MOST! truly one of the best singer song writers of our time who helps people feel normal via his music! HUGS JELLY I still got your phone number from a podcast you did.. haven't ever called.. because .. well I dont know what to say and dont want to waste your time.. BUT HUGE AWESOME THANKS FOR being that guy who put your self out there for others!

[@tylermikaelson1572]

I haven't been through what this man has been through. But have a lot of friends and family that have been. And I never judge. This man is amazing to me

[@jayborchardt4742]

No hater here, I salute you sir. I had a friend that recommended jelly roll, and the heartfelt songs get me.

[@floydwhatley9822]

You all made Jimmy proud ....Great show !!!

[@SamEileenJ]

I love everything about this man! I will always click a video with him or Bunnie in it. They are the kind of people who deserve spotlight and celebrity. 😊

[@sneezinhatch]

Jelly roll is the most humble artist every created

[@Therapistlife13]

He is a huge Swiftie. She is his celebrity crush. You know that fame has not gone to his head when he had the opportunity to meet her, and he was absolutely star-struck. I hope that they collaborate one day.

[@user82938]

Hate to disappoint you, but celebrities just say that kind of stuff. It's how they stay up in the popularity contest they're playing. If you want to be successful, you have to be constantly gassing everyone up. Everyone that you meet is your "favorite," even if you've already told 100 other people that they are your favorite.

[@joycegauthier8815]

This guy is so incredible!! Love his story, love his music, love his advocacy!

[@AngelianaNevaeh]

Jellyroll looks great! Keep shining!

[@craftymama57]

Jelly Roll hits you where you haven't been able to find the words. Ty❤

[@oregonvibez]

Wish Kimmel wouldve been here for this one

[@heirloomcottagedesigns9063]

Absolutely love him! He’s so real and he inspires people!!😍😍😍

[@purplemacgotti2423]

Jelly roll the Rapper will always be a huge part of my Early 20's

[@mariagoode5903]

😂😂😂 Who would of thought that big guy looking like a wrestler would like "Glee"❤ So sweet!!!

[@TornSparrow1974]

Damn straight truth about depression. You do have to get to a place where you can say "I am not okay."

[@NellieKAdaba]

Yes without judgement.

[@JDFrancis]

Driving downtown one night, the traffic was worse than usual, and I knew instantly that something big was going down at Rupp Arena. People were streaming into the building for some kind of event. Did a quick search for events and it said "Jelly Roll". I figured Jelly Roll was either some kind of wrestling event or maybe a kid's show like Cocomelon or The Wiggles. I had no idea it was for this guy, and I'm thrilled to see him getting so many accolades and doing so well.

[@thesnake52000]

If I remember correctly, Steve Martin was the actual father of the bride in that movie.

[@TinaToffelmire]

Yes, and Martin Short was the wedding planner.

[@edtelis264]

Never heard of Jelly Roll before. I’ll check out his music, he sounds very interesting.

[@NellieKAdaba]

Me neither, and I might check his music out as well.

[@tylerhackner9731]

Love him

[@KimberlyMartin-bg8ji]

Can't wait to see what else you have up your sleeve!

[@user-lg1oo6ev7k]

Go go Jelly Roll

[@FactsAndEvidence]

I love this dude

[@Ohsolovely2]

Great interview!❤

[@Darci3333]

Very talanted singer and song writer but even more he has a big true heart and truly is a wonderful man and human being and shows so much love and just so down to earth and humble. Love him and Bunny. Great kind people❤❤❤❤

[@ep6507]

He’s just so adorable!

[@christinamellow9824]

I LOVE HIS PERSONALITY, GREAT HEART WONDERFULL.❤❤❤❤❤❤😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@user-ht2nf1fx8p]

❤ Jelly Roll he's really turned his life around ❤

[@Thealignmentkeys]

Much love to Jelly Roll - great soul right there!

[@Baldman-pz2dm]

He is truly a miracle God Bless him

[@Darci3333]

My favorite song of Jellyroll right now is Im not okay😢❤❤❤❤❤

[@gritbottcher8475]

🤗

[@Jenny_Oblivion]

What a sweet teddy bear 🧸 ☺️! Great interview!

[@dianepetersen3324]

I love Jelly Roll! What a great hair cut 💇‍♂️ ❤

[@jeffcarriere1986]

Can’t wait to see him in his first 🇨🇦 show! And your rap music is great 🤘

[@harbscantina]

There's something just so likeable about Jelly Roll.

[@dwatson5419]

I love Jelly Roll and love the new haircut!!!!

[@kimball2697]

Everything about him is fabulous!......Inside and out! I forever wish him and his entire family everything good. What a humble man. I love his tattoos and I love Bonnie and I just love them. People.......opinions are like assholes (sorry) and this is mine. That old adage most of us learned from our mommas......you know the one.........yep.......seriously, if you haven't anything nice or positive to say about Jelly, or anyone for that matter.........just seems its easier to say nothing, rather than hurtful or judgemental.......to all........super days ahead........to Jelly.......you're going down in history my man!!!!!!!! Love from Des Moines, Iowa. Kimmy B.

[@BORDEMER78]

BLESS HIS SOUL

[@BethWessel-ry3uf]

Love my JellyRoll❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@TheresaMckinney-f7v]

He is wonderful I’m going to his concert in November I’m so excited 😊

[@veggigoddess]

That needs to be a t-shirt! Steve Martin knows I'm a human😂

[@Stevie_N_526]

😂 That was too funny!!!

[@jimmyispromo]

He's actually very funny. He deserves all

[@shazgannie9982]

Jelly Roll is the GOAT.❤❤

[@CharlesDowdy-iu3pf]

I am a big fan of Jelly Roll. Just love him and Bunnie.

[@m.canida96]

Love Jelly and his soulful music!!! Save Me is my anthem !!! Huge fan of this gentle giant !! Jelly Roll rules !! 🙏🏻💕