Jelly Roll continues to make history with his first-ever country project, WHITSITT CHAPEL, and his current single, “NEED A FAVOR.”
According to Billboard, the genre-bending superstar’s track “NEED A FAVOR” is the first song to appear in the Top 10 of both the Mainstream Rock Airplay and Country Airplay charts. The song, which amassed 17.5 million audience impressions from Jun 9-15, currently sits at No. 9 on the Country Airplay chart (dated June 24), Luminate reports. “NEED A FAVOR” also holds the No. 3 spot on the Mainstream Rock Airplay chart for the fourth consecutive week.
“NEED A FAVOR” impacted Country radio on February 13 and marks Jelly Roll’s second Country radio single, following his chart-topping hit, “Son Of A Sinner.” Co-written by Jelly Roll (whose real name is Jason DeFord) alongside Austin Nivarel, Joe Ragosta and Rob Ragosta, “NEED A FAVOR” finds the hitmaker telling the story of a man coming face to face with his demons and nearly losing the person he loves the most, and with no where left to turn he sends prayers up to God for a saving grace.
“I only talk to God when I need a favor / And I only pray when I ain’t got a prayer / So, who the hell am I, who the hell am I / To expect a Savior o-o-oh / If I only talk to God when I need a favor / But God I need a favor,” Jelly Roll sings on the tune’s chorus.
HARDY, Bon Jovi, Zac Brown Band, Brantley Gilbert, Kid Rock, Dave Matthews, Sting and Travis Tritt are among the only other musicians who have topped both the Rock and Country Airplay charts.
WHITSITT CHAPEL Is The Highest Charting First-Week Release In BBR Music Group History
In addition to making history with his current single, Jelly Roll’s new album, WHITSITT CHAPEL, debuted at No. 1 on Billboard Top Rock & Alternative Albums chart, No. 2 on the Billboard Country Album chart and in the Top 3 on the Billboard 200 all-genre chart with 90,000 album equivalents.
Jelly Roll, whose real name is Jason DeFord, also earned the biggest opening week for a first entry on the Top Country Albums charts since the list adopted a consumption-based methodology in 2017 and the strongest first week album sales from a debut country artist release in 2023. The project also becomes the highest charting first-week release in the history of BBR Music Group.
He took to social media to react to the monumental success of his new project.
“Thank y’all! WE DID IT! Y’all came through for me like you always do… another big step in the right direction for the underdogs … I woke up and couldn’t believe it! Thank y’all again… wow wow wow wow….” Jelly Roll wrote.
Jelly Roll’s New Album, WHITSITT CHAPEL
The chart-topping hitmaker released WHITSITT CHAPEL on June 2, 2023. The project, named after the church the Antioch native grew up attending, features 13 tracks, including the fan-favorite tunes “NEED A FAVOR” and “SHE.”
“This album is about growth and gratitude happening in my life. I wanted to create a project that felt hopeful. I believe the worst feeling a person can have is feeling hopeless or worthless. This is therapeutic music. Real music for real people with real problems,” Jelly Roll previously shared in a statement.
WHITSITT CHAPEL, which serves as Jelly Roll’s debut full-length country record via BMG/Stoney Creek Records, also includes three collaborations. Brantley Gilbert and Struggle Jennings joins Jelly Roll on “Behind Bars” and Yelawolf is featured on “Unlive,” while Lainey Wilson teamed up with the 38-year-old hitmaker to recreate his fan-favorite tune, “Save Me.”
Backroad Baptism Tour
Additionally, Jelly Roll will soon embark on his massive 44-date headlining arena tour, dubbed the Backroad Baptism Tour.
Hosted by Josh Adam Meyers, the trek kicks off on Friday, July 28 at Bank Plus Amphitheater in Southhaven, Mississippi. The Backroad Baptism will run through Saturday, October 14, where the trek will wrap up in Tampa, Florida at MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre.
“The Backroad Baptism Tour is a big one for me, y’all! I’m bringing my friends out on the road this summer, and I can’t wait to see every one of you mutherf***ers at a show,” Jelly Roll shared.
Ashley McBryde, Caitlynne Curtis, Chase Rice, Elle King, Merkules, Struggle Jennings, Three 6 Mafia, Yelawolf will serve as support on select dates of the tour.
Jelly Roll: Save Me Documentary
Jelly Roll also recently released his documentary, Jelly Roll: Save Me. The film by ABC New Studios gives viewers an inside look at the “Son Of A Sinner” singer’s life on the road with never-before-seen footage from his tour. It also includes interviews with Jelly Roll and people who are close to him.
With a desire to inspire others to make a change in their lives, Jelly Roll shared his personal trials and tribulations throughout film, which debuted on May 30.
