Jelly Roll Reflects on AA Experience and New Album

Jelly Roll, the 39-year-old country artist born Jason Bradley DeFord, shared that he was court-ordered to attend Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) at just 14 years old, marking the beginning of his long struggle with addiction. In a recent interview on SiriusXM’s The Highway, he reflected on his experiences in AA and Narcotics Anonymous (NA), emphasizing how inspired he feels after attending meetings, which he believes everyone should experience. Jelly Roll noted that these meetings were pivotal in shaping his songwriting, particularly influencing his lead single 'I Am Not Okay' from his new album, Beautifully Broken. He described the value of these gatherings as akin to 'good theater,' where participants can learn and grow, regardless of their own drinking status. The artist has acknowledged that his past struggles, including around 40 arrests, inform the emotional depth of his music, which aims to resonate with listeners on a personal level. His latest work continues to explore themes of redemption and resilience, as showcased in other tracks like 'Winning Streak.'