Jelly Roll has an interesting backstory and his rise to fame is nothing short of amazing. In recent weeks he has gotten even more popular, thanks, in part, to putting together a last-minute show after Morgan Wallen canceled his performance in Tampa.
In case you’ve never heard of Jelly Roll, he is a country singer with a troubled past. The 39-year-old singer has been in and out of jail over the years and struggled with addiction. He also went to jail for robbery.
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Eventually, Jelly Roll got clean and gained notoriety for his unique blend of hip-hop, rock, and country. His popularity peaked in 2023 when he won three CMT awards and was nominated for a Grammy.
Jelly Roll frequently uses his past to help show that there is hope for people who are struggling. He even appeared before Congress in January to support a bill that would crack down on fentanyl. During his testimony, Jelly Roll recounted his days selling drugs and even said “I was part of the problem … that now wants to be a part of the solution.”
In addition to headlining shows of his own, Jelly Roll has recently opened for other country artists. One of those singers is Morgan Wallen, who was set to sing in Tampa on July 12.
He performed in Tampa the night before but got sick and announced he wouldn’t be able to perform later that night. Morgan Wallen also canceled a few concerts the following week.
The Show Must Go On
Fans were understandably upset after hearing that Morgan Wallen had to cancel. Fortunately for them, Jelly Roll was able to put something together in just a few hours for the disappointed fans.
He wasn’t able to secure Raymond James Stadium (the original concert venue), but he did find a nearby location. Just a few hours after Morgan Wallen’s official cancellation notice, Jelly Roll managed to secure a venue called Dallas Bull. The nightclub/bar is a popular spot for country music fans.
The deal was that only people with a Morgan Wallen concert ticket for that night could get in, but it was completely free. While Jelly Roll is nowhere near as famous as Morgan Wallen, it was a meaningful gesture.
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Hundreds of people ended up turning out to see Jelly Roll play on a night that they would have otherwise been left frustrated and sitting at home. Jelly Roll likely gained some lifelong fans that night as the event took social media by storm.
Thousands of people shared stories about Jelly Roll’s last-minute concert, noting what a great guy he is. Many major news networks picked up the story and highlighted the surprise show.
Even though Morgan Wallen couldn’t be there, Jelly Roll made sure that people could still go out and have a good time. In doing so, he likely saved Morgan Wallen from a lot of hate after canceling the show.
