On Tuesday March 10, the day will finally arrive when former rapper turned country singer Jason Bradley DeFord, aka Jelly Roll becomes a member of the Grand Ole Opry.
From the press release:
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - (February 19, 2026) – Multi-Grammy® Award winner Jelly Roll will officially become a member of the Grand Ole Opry on March 10. Opry member and close friend Lainey Wilson will induct him into the family.
Jelly Roll was invited to become a member during a surprise moment of his interview on The Joe Rogan Experience, the #1 podcast in the world across all platforms. Rogan surprised Jelly Roll with a video message from Opry member Craig Morgan - inviting him to join the Opry family.
The country superstar and BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville/Republic recording artist made his Opry debut on November 9, 2021 and has become an Opry fan favorite and beloved by not only the fans, but many of its members over the years. Jelly Roll has dedicated his time to playing the show numerous times, mentoring many artists through the Opry NextStage program, and serving as host of Opry NextStage Live shows in Texas.
Jelly Roll’s Opry history with Morgan predates back to a moment years ago when freshly released from prison, Jelly was in the Opry audience as Morgan performed “Almost Home,” a moment the star references as ‘life changing’ for him. Years later, Jelly was surprised on stage by Morgan, where they performed “Almost Home” together on the Opry stage. Marking the full-circle moment, Morgan presented handwritten, autographed framed lyrics of “Almost Home” to Jelly to commemorate the occasion.
Jelly Roll recently won every Grammy Award he was nominated for in 2026 including Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song for “Hard Fought Hallelujah” with Brandon Lake, Best Country Duo/Group Performance for “Amen” with Shaboozey and Best Contemporary Country Album of the Year for his sophomore album, Beautifully Broken, which debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200. The album features his multi-week #1 Grammy-nominated song, “I Am Not Okay.” The three Grammy wins recognize his major impact on both country and Christian music genres.
Having grown up in Antioch, Tennessee, the CMA, ACM, Grammy, Dove and People’s Choice award winning star’s debut Country project, Whitsitt Chapel, continues to resonate and the album marked the biggest debut by a Country artist that year of release.
Besides what was listed in the press release, he recently has been named the 2026 recipient of the Artist Humanitarian Award by Country Radio Broadcasters, which will be presented during the annual Country Radio Seminar in Nashville later in March.
Taking a look at the rest of the Tuesday Night Opry lineup, Lainey Wilson and Craig Morgan are on the schedule and will help to induct Jelly Roll into the Opry. Comedian Leanne Morgan and ERNEST round out the schedule.
Tuesday March 10
7:00: Craig Morgan, ERNEST, Leanne Morgan
Intermission
8:20: Lainey Wilson, Jelly Roll
Ok, I understand that Jelly Roll isn't for everyone. He does have a story and testimony to tell, and I would like to believe his sincerity with all of it. I know people can change and, in his case, I hope the change is real and that he does not go back to his old ways. Time will tell and I will leave it at that.
No, he is not one of my favorite artists and I am not sure how all of it will play out at the Opry. But let's see. While I will not be attending his induction on Tuesday night, I will be listening. I am sure it will be a special night, as each Opry induction is.
The only other show on the mid-week lineup is the Thursday Night Opry. Opry members Dailey & Vincent, The Whites, and Riders In The Sky are on the schedule. Neal McCoy, Karley Scott Collins, Walker Montgomery and Sophia Scott round out the schedule.
Thursday March 12
7:00: Dailey & Vincent, Sophia Scott, The Whites, Walker Montgomery
Intermission
8:20: Riders In The Sky, Karley Scott Collins, Neal McCoy
I am not a diehard fan by any stretch, but for my generation, he is one of the most consequential artists in the music industry. Inducting him is a very, very good business decision at least while he’s relevant because if he shows up regularly, the place will sell out. Ez
ReplyDeleteFirst hour (tonight) Tuesday was GREAT. Can feel the energy in the building.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to go into history professor mode for a second and say this related to Jelly Roll. There's a story of someone telling JFK he shouldn't appoint a certain Cabinet member because he wasn't a Democrat. And JFK replied, yes, but is he with the program? In other words, would he support what Kennedy was trying to do. The answer was yes, so he was in.
ReplyDeleteJelly Roll may not be my style, but he's with the program. He seems to get it. Welcome.
MIchael Green, thank you. Appreciate your response and your perspective.
ReplyDeleteI vote yes on Jelly Roll because he clearly loves becoming a member of the 'Opry, and I personally appreciate that he and Lainey Wilson aren't afraid to spread their message of faith. I understand he's not all that country, and he understands that himself. He was certainly grateful last night to become a member.
Back in the day the Opry had Jamup & Honey and in 2026 it has Jellyroll. He’s not my cup of tea, but he seems to have respect for The Opry.
ReplyDeleteGot my tickets to celebrate Bill Anderson’s 65th Anniversary. That will be an historic night and I’m looking forward to July 18th.Curry