From Broken Pieces, a Plea for Redemption: Jelly Roll’s “Heart of Stone” Echoes Through Country Airwaves
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
The journey of Jason DeFord, the artist known to millions as Jelly Roll, has been anything but conventional. A tapestry woven with threads of struggle and triumph, his narrative resonates with an authenticity that’s hard-earned and impossible to ignore. With a staggering 21 award wins spanning genres and four GRAMMY nominations already under his belt, Jelly Roll isn’t just knocking on the door of country music; he’s walking right in, his presence as undeniable as the gravel in his voice. Today marks another significant step in that journey as his powerful new single, “Heart of Stone,” officially impacts country radio.
This raw and vulnerable track is the third offering from his critically acclaimed sophomore country album, “Beautifully Broken.” The album itself made an emphatic statement upon its release, debuting at the coveted No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200 chart, a feat that speaks volumes about Jelly Roll’s cross-genre appeal and the deep connection he forges with his listeners. Following in the footsteps of the album’s previous chart-toppers, the introspective “I Am Not Okay” and the fiercely defiant “Liar,” which held the country radio chart captive for an impressive six consecutive weeks, “Heart of Stone” delves into the raw emotions of a man grappling with his past. Penned by Jelly Roll alongside the talented Zach Crowell, Blake Pendergrass, and Shy Carter, the song is a heartfelt plea for redemption, a yearning for rescue from the shadows of past mistakes.
The lyrics, delivered with Jelly Roll’s signature impassioned growl, are both emotively stirring and hauntingly relatable. They paint a picture of restless nights and the crushing weight of regret:
I’m wide awake and I’m dreaming Wonderin’ where and when I fell apart Oh, I fell apart I had enough of my demons Angels only meet you where you are And I’m in the dark Least for now, Lord, I ain’t losin’ hope That somehow you can make a heart of gold From this heart of stone
This vulnerability, this unflinching honesty about his own struggles, is the very essence of Jelly Roll’s appeal. He doesn’t shy away from the darkness; instead, he shines a light on it, offering a sense of solidarity to those who have walked similar paths.
The momentum for Jelly Roll continues to build at an astonishing pace. Recently, the artist GQ aptly dubbed the “Outlaw Superstar” secured his seventh No. 1 at country radio (his ninth overall chart-topper), further cementing his status as a force to be reckoned with. He also stood among the iconic entertainers who graced the stage for Saturday Night Live’s star-studded 50th Anniversary concert, SNL50, broadcast live from the legendary Radio City Music Hall.
His influence extends beyond the recording studio and the stage. Jelly Roll is set to take on the role of Artist in Residence mentor on ABC’s beloved singing competition, American Idol, sharing his unique insights and experiences with aspiring artists. Adding another dimension to his burgeoning career, he will also make his acting debut in the CBS drama, Fire Country, with his episode airing on April 11th.
As if that weren’t enough, the ACM Entertainer of the Year nominee is gearing up to headline the highly anticipated 2025 Stagecoach Festival, a testament to his growing stature in the country music landscape. This comes on the heels of a triumphant and historic headlining arena tour across Canada, where he played to sold-out crowds from coast to coast, further solidifying his connection with fans on a global scale.
The story of Jelly Roll is one of resilience and reinvention. The Nashville native, who claimed the No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200 All Genre Chart with his critically acclaimed 2024 album, “Beautifully Broken,” has earned the highest critical praise of his career from esteemed publications like Rolling Stone, Billboard, Associated Press, and NPR. This landmark release capped off his most successful year to date, following his sold-out nationwide Beautifully Broken Arena Tour.
Just a year prior, Jelly Roll made a significant impact with his debut country album, “Whitsitt Chapel” (released June 2nd, 2023), debuting in the Top 3 on the Billboard 200 All Genre Chart and at No. 2 on the Top Country Album charts. Notably, it achieved the biggest country debut album in Billboard Consumption Chart history, signaling his arrival as a major player in the genre.
Following his impressive sweep at the 2023 CMT Music Awards, CMA Awards, People’s Choice Awards, and People’s Choice Country Awards, Jelly Roll, described by The New Yorker as “country’s ‘most authentic’ new artist,” continued his award-show dominance into 2024, securing significant wins at the iHeartRadio Awards and the ACM Awards, before earning his first two GRAMMY nominations – a recognition that transcended genre boundaries. In 2025, this multi-genre phenomenon, currently nominated for three more ACM Awards including the prestigious Entertainer of the Year, solidified his ascent by winning Country Artist of the Year at this year’s iHeartRadio Music Awards and adding two more GRAMMY nominations to his name.
Before joining Post Malone’s massive 2025 BIG ASS STADIUM TOUR and BIG ASS WORLD TOUR, Jelly Roll scored his seventh No. 1 at country radio with the six-week chart-topper “Liar,” bringing his impressive career total to nine No. 1s, including hits like “I Am Not Okay,” “Chevrolet” (with Dustin Lynch), “Halfway To Hell,” “Save Me,” “Need A Favor,” “Son of A Sinner,” and “Dead Man Walking” (on rock radio). Now, with the poignant and powerful “Heart of Stone” climbing the country radio charts, Jelly Roll’s impact on the genre is undeniable.
Beyond the accolades and chart success, Jelly Roll’s influence extends into the realm of human connection and advocacy. As The New York Times aptly noted, he is “one of Nashville’s fastest rising stars,” and his resonance with fans on a global scale is a testament to his authenticity and willingness to share his own journey. He’s not just an artist; he’s a humanitarian, actively giving back to communities and individuals who have faced similar struggles. From playing a sold-out hometown show for 18,000 fans at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena to donating a recording studio at the juvenile detention center where he once served time, to the release of his record-breaking ABC News documentary, “Save Me” – the most-watched music documentary on the platform – and his visits to rehab centers and correctional facilities across the US, Jelly Roll’s actions speak volumes about his commitment to making a difference.
Featured by prominent media outlets like Nightline, GMA, GMA3, The New York Times, GQ, LA Times, The Tennessean, Billboard, Variety, American Songwriter, and CMT, his self-built and unconventional rise in the music industry, coupled with his unique and deeply personal connection with his fanbase, has garnered widespread praise. Variety astutely observed, “for everyone who’s facing the same struggles, Jelly Roll is their Springsteen,” while American Songwriter echoed, “with a string of accolades and an extremely dedicated following, Jelly Roll has emerged as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.”
With “Heart of Stone” now echoing across country radio, Jelly Roll continues to break down barriers and connect with listeners on a profound level. His music is more than just entertainment; it’s a testament to the power of vulnerability, the possibility of redemption, and the unifying force of shared human experience. As he embarks on this next chapter, his impact on country music, and the hearts of those who listen, is only set to deepen.