Jelly Roll fulfilled a lifelong dream at the 2023 ACM Awards when he met his musical hero, Garth Brooks.
The Academy Of Country Music recently took to social media to share a clip of Jelly Roll meeting Brooks for the first-time ever at the 58th Academy Of Country Music Awards. In the clip, Jelly Roll can be seen giving Garth Brooks a bear-hug while picking the “Friends In Low Places” singer up off the ground.
“When you get too excited seeing your hero so you pick him up,” Jelly Roll captioned the clip.
“I love you Garth, God it’s so good to meet you!” he told the country music icon as they embraced in a hug.
“Garth, thank you man. You have no clue, I have seen you 12 times. I have never another artist live more. You are a staple man, seriously. Waylon Jennings, Garth Brooks…” Jelly Roll told Garth Brooks.
Earlier in the day, Jelly Roll and his wife Bunnie XO got to meet Brooks’ wife Trisha Yearwood.
“I just wanted to say hi,” Yearwood told the beloved couple.
Bunnie XO admitted that it was a “pinch me” moment for her getting to meet the “She’s In Love With The Boy” singer.
“You just made his dream come true,” Bunnie told Yearwood, to which she replied, “I’m really happy for you.”
Prior to the 2023 ACM Awards, Jelly Roll told Wayne D on The BIG 98 that he is a huge fan of Brooks and hoped to meet him at the coveted awards show.
“This is my plea to Garth Brooks,” Jelly Roll said. “Garth Brooks I just want you to know that I have been a fan of yours my whole life. I’ve seen you 12 times. I’ve seen you live more than any other artist by 11 times. Okay, Garth if I get a chance to just tell you what your music means to me in person that’d mean a lot, but if not I hope you see this.”
Billboard Country Live
Next month, Jelly Roll and Garth Brooks will headline the inaugural Billboard Country Live. The two-day event will take place June 6 and 7 at Marathon Music Works. Jelly Roll will perform as part of Billboard Country Live in Concert on June 6, while Garth Brooks will take part in Billboard Country Live in Conversation on June 7.
Billboard Country Live in Concert will feature a headlining performance from Jelly Roll and support from Nate Smith. Meanwhile, Billboard Country Live in Conversation is a conference for fans and industry insiders that will feature panels with Carly Pearce, Bailey Zimmerman, Brian Kelley, Lauren Alaina, Megan Moroney and Lady A’s Hillary Scott.
For tickets and additional information about Billboard Country Live, visit their official website at live.billboard.com.
Save Me Documentary
The news comes just days after the 38-year-old announced a documentary, Jelly Roll: Save Me. The film by ABC New Studios will give 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 will also include 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 will share his personal trials and tribulations throughout film, which will debut on May 30.
New Album, 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.
