Jelly Roll earned his second consecutive No.1 with “NEED A FAVOR.”
The chart-topping hit, which claimed the top spot on the Mediabase Country Airplay chart and Billboard’s Country Airplay chart, follows his first-ever No. 1 hit at Country radio, “Son Of A Sinner.”
Jelly Roll Reacts
According to Luminate, the tune climbed to the top of the Billboard Country Airplay chart (dated August 12) with 32.9 million audience impressions between July 28 and August 3.
“A second No. 1 at Country radio is something I wouldn’t have even allowed myself to dream about,” Jelly Roll, whose real name is Jason DeFord, told Billboard of his latest No. 1 hit. “‘NEED A FAVOR’ has absolutely changed my life. It’s been incredible to watch the fan reaction and see what’s happening out there on the road. Thank you to everyone who has continued to believe in this song, and to country radio for supporting therapeutic music. I’ve seen firsthand the impact the music continues to have with people across the country.”
In addition to climbing to the top of the Country Airplay chart, the tune also crossed over to the pop genre and is currently sitting at No. 22 on Billboard’s Adult Pop Airplay chart.
Performed “NEED A FAVOR” At CMA Fest
In June of 2023, Jelly Roll performed the song at the 2023 CMA Fest and was brought to tears. He later took to social media to commemorate the milestone moment.
“If you listen closely, you can hear my voice shaking the first half of the song— I was trembling I was so nervous. 65,000 people in my hometown stadium- the same stadium my father took me to every Sunday for Titans games – the same Stadium I’ve been taking my daughter to since she was a baby,” he wrote. “Thank you CMA fest for letting me be a part of your 50th anniversary – I have literally been going to “Fan Fair” since I was a child. This night was unbelievable… to hear 65k people “and God I need a Favor” in unison like one voice.”
He went on to admit that hearing that the song topped the charts is “almost unbelievable.”
“Speaking of NEED A FAVOR- I can officially say it is the #1 song on Country Radio right now. There is no greater achievement in this town than being #1 in country radio. The fact this is my 2nd number one at Country Radio this year makes if almost unbelievable to me to be honest – and this same song also held 3 weeks at number 1 on Rock radio. Just when I thought things couldn’t get any wilder y’all continue to amaze me. Thank y’all – this has been an unreal year.”
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 nowhere 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.
WHITSITT CHAPEL
“NEED A FAVOR” appears on Jelly Roll’s debut full-length country record, WHITSITT CHAPEL, which arrived on June 2 via BMG/Stoney Creek Records. The project, named after the church the Antioch native grew up attending, features 13 tracks and debuted at the top of the Billboard Top Rock & Alternative Albums chart and at No. 2 on the Billboard Country Album chart.
“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 also includes three collaborations. Brantley Gilbert and Struggle Jennings joined 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
The genre-bending star’s latest chart-topping hit comes on the heels of the launch of his 44-date headlining Backroad Baptism Tour, which kicked off on July 28 with a sold out show at Bank Plus Amphitheater in Southaven, Mississippi.
Additionally, the massive headlining tour runs through Saturday, October 14, where the trek will wrap up in Tampa, Florida at MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre.
Hosted by Josh Adam Meyers, Jelly Roll’s Backroad Baptism Tour features support from Ashley McBryde, Caitlynne Curtis, Chase Rice, Elle King, Merkules, Struggle Jennings, Three 6 Mafia and Yelawolf on select dates.
To Join Eric Church On Tour
In the midst of his headlining tour, Jelly Roll will also serve as support on several dates of Eric Church’s The Outsiders Revival Tour.
For a complete list of tour dates, visit Jelly Roll’s official website HERE.
