Few would have expected the meteoric rise that Jelly Roll has enjoyed in country music. It was "Save Me," released in 2020, which became his unexpected first No. 1 hit. Five years later, the singer, whose real name is Jason DeFord, continues to dominate charts, sell out arenas and more.
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While we are happy to keep Jelly Roll playing all day long, there are several other artists would sound enough like Jelly Roll that music fans will also enjoy. We pick four of our favorites.
1. Brantley Gilbert
Like Jelly Roll, Brantley Gilbert has a lot of tattoos, but that isn't their only similarity. The two singers both happily toe the line between country music and other genres. They also aren't afraid to wear their heart on their sleeve, especially in their lyrics. Gilbert has several songs, including "Stone Cold Sober" and "Bottoms Up" that sound like they could be sung by Jelly Roll instead.
Gilbert and Jelly Roll are actually good friends, and now duet partners. In 2022, the two released "Son of the Dirty South," from Gilbert's So Help Me God record.
2. Post Malone
We can't have a list about artists who are similar to Jelly Roll and not include Post Malone. In addition to the both boasting face tattoos, they also both released rap music first, before making the switch to country. And, they both enjoyed a surprisingly warm welcome in country music when they made the switch.
Post Malone released his F-1 Trillion album, which includes a song, "Losers," with Jelly Roll. For country music fans who like other genres of music as well, both Jelly Roll and Post Malone are two obvious choices.
3. Morgan Wallen
Morgan Wallen started out in country music, but he is now a global superstar. Wallen is known for songs that are edgy and unique, while still toeing the line of country music. He also, like Jelly Roll, can be brave and bold in his lyrics, saying things others might not say, in a way that feels refreshingly unique. They also both happen to be nominated for multiple ACM Awards, including Entertainer of the Year.
For people who like Jelly Roll, Wallen's "Last Night" and "I'm the Problem" are two of Wallen's songs that just as easily could have been sung by Jelly Roll instead.
4. Hardy
Hardy and Jelly Roll have way more in common than some might think. Both are prolific songwriters, and both are also willing to sing about hard topics. The two also have released non-country music, with Hardy's The Mockingbird & The Crow and Quit! being two albums that show Hardy's rock side.
But it's Hardy's songwriting that makes him most like Jelly Roll, especially with "Wait in the Truck," Hardy's vulnerable and bold look at domestic violence. Or, "Give Heaven Some Hell," a poignant look at life after death. If the two ever decided to do a collaborative album, that would be country and rock gold.
