Jelly Roll To Release ‘Save Me’ Documentary Chronicling His Turbulent Upbringing & Rise To Fame

Jelly Roll: Save Me by ABC New Studios will give viewers an inside look at the genre-bending star’s life and rise to fame.

By

Andrew Wendowski

Andrew Wendowski is the Founder and CEO of Music Mayhem. As a 29-year-old entrepreneur, he oversees content as the Editor-In-Chief for the independent brand. Wendowski, who splits time between Philadelphia, Penn., and Nashville, Tenn., has an extensive background in multimedia. Before launching Music Mayhem in 2014, he worked as a highly sought-after photojournalist and tour photographer, collaborating with such labels as Interscope Records and Republic Records. He has captured photos of some of the biggest names, including Taylor Swift, Metallica, Harry Styles, P!NK, Morgan Wallen, Carrie Underwood, The Rolling Stones, Madonna, Shania Twain, and hundreds more. Wendowski’s photos and freelance work have appeared nationwide and can be seen everywhere from ad campaigns to various publications, including Billboard and Rolling Stone. When Wendowski isn’t running Music Mayhem, he enjoys spending time at concerts, traveling, and capturing photos.

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Posted on May 9, 2023

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Jelly Roll; Photo by Andrew Wendowski

A documentary chronicling Jelly Roll’s rise to fame will soon premiere on Hulu.

Jelly Roll: Save Me by ABC New Studios will give viewers an inside look at the genre-bending star’s life on the road with never-before-seen footage from his tour. It will also include interviews with Jelly Roll and people who are close to him.

Jelly Roll; Photo Courtesy of Getty Images for CMT
Jelly Roll; Photo Courtesy of Getty Images for CMT

Jelly Roll: Save Me

Additionally, the documentary will take fans inside his visit to the juvenile detention facility where he was incarcerated. With a desire to inspire others to make a change in their lives, Jelly Roll will share his personal trials and tribulations throughout film, which will debut on May 30.

Edward Hambleton and Claire Weinraub executive produced Jelly Roll: Save Me. David Sloan was the senior executive producer and Monica Escobedo is the senior entertainment producer.

Previously Teased The Documentary

Jelly Roll, whose real name is Jason DeFord, previously hinted at the forthcoming documentary during an interview on The Bobby Bones Show

““I don’t know if I’m allowed to say… Can I blow it? I guess I will… We have partnered with ABC and we are shooting something,” he shared at the time. 

Will Chronicle The Life And Turbulent Upbringing Of Jelly Roll

The 38-year-old has been very open about his turbulent upbringing and the time he spent in prison. 

“You couldn’t write a Cinderella story cooler than this, saying that I’ll have a headlining show at Bridgestone while I have a top 10 at country radio,” Jelly Roll told Billboard of his Music City homecoming concert. “I look at it like it’s my introduction party to Nashville, even though I was born here.”

“What I think I represent is just a beacon of hope,” he added. “I don’t look like the guy that you would’ve assumed would’ve made it [in the music industry] … I just feel like I represent the guy who looks at himself in the mirror every day and goes, ‘Yeah, guys like me don’t make it.’”

Jelly Roll; Photo Courtesy of John Shearer/Getty Images
Jelly Roll; Photo Courtesy of John Shearer/Getty Images

Donated $250,000 To Impact Youth Outreach

The funds ($250,000) from the massive Bridgestone Arena concert were donated to Impact Youth Outreach and benefitted the Davidson County Juvenile Detention Center, where he was confined for most of his youth.

“[It’s] where I spent the worst 18 months of my life, but it was a turning point,” he continued. “I found my real love for rapping here. I loved all music as a listener, but I didn’t think I could sing, but there was something about rhythmic rapping and poetry that I understood…”

Since taking to the Bridgestone Arena stage, Jelly Roll has earned a two No. 1 hits, including “Dead Man Walking” and “Son Of A Sinner.” He also made his country awards show debut with a performance of “Son Of A Sinner” at the CMT Music Awards, where he also took home three awards. 

Jelly Roll; Photo Courtesy of Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for BMG/BBR Music Group
Jelly Roll; Photo Courtesy of Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for BMG/BBR Music Group

WHITSITT CHAPEL

Jelly Roll is currently preparing to release his new album, WHITSITT CHAPEL, which arrives on June 2, 2023. The project, named after the church the Antioch native grew up attending, will feature 13 tracks, including his current single “NEED A FAVOR” and the previously released track, “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 shared in a statement.

WHITSITT CHAPEL, which serves as Jelly Roll’s debut full-length country record via BMG/Stoney Creek Records, will also include 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.

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Andrew Wendowski is the Founder and CEO of Music Mayhem. As a 29-year-old entrepreneur, he oversees content as the Editor-In-Chief for the independent brand. Wendowski, who splits time between Philadelphia, Penn., and Nashville, Tenn., has an extensive background in multimedia. Before launching Music Mayhem in 2014, he worked as a highly sought-after photojournalist and tour photographer, collaborating with such labels as Interscope Records and Republic Records. He has captured photos of some of the biggest names, including Taylor Swift, Metallica, Harry Styles, P!NK, Morgan Wallen, Carrie Underwood, The Rolling Stones, Madonna, Shania Twain, and hundreds more. Wendowski’s photos and freelance work have appeared nationwide and can be seen everywhere from ad campaigns to various publications, including Billboard and Rolling Stone. When Wendowski isn’t running Music Mayhem, he enjoys spending time at concerts, traveling, and capturing photos.

See more posts from Andrew Wendowski

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