Who Is Jelly Roll's Brother? Unpacking The DeFord Family Tree

Jelly Roll, the acclaimed rapper and country music sensation, has captivated audiences with his raw honesty, powerful lyrics, and incredible journey. As his star continues to rise, so does public curiosity about his personal life, especially his family. A common question that often pops up is: "Who is Jelly Roll's brother?" While Jelly Roll is known for referring to many close friends as brothers and sisters, he does indeed have biological siblings. Let's dive into the DeFord family tree to meet his real brothers and sister.

The DeFord Family Tree: Jelly Roll's Real Siblings

Born Jason DeFord, Jelly Roll comes from a family deeply rooted in Tennessee. His father, Horace "Buddy" DeFord, played a significant role in his life, and it's through his father that Jelly Roll has several siblings. According to various sources, Jelly Roll has two biological brothers and a sister who are often mentioned as part of his core family unit.

His primary siblings, consistently identified in public records and interviews, are:

Scott DeFord
Roger DeFord
Shelby DeFord (his sister)

These three siblings, Scott, Roger, and Shelby, form a close-knit unit with Jelly Roll. They are all older than him, and their mother played a crucial role in fostering Jelly Roll's love for music, facing the challenges of divorce and raising three children on her own.

Meet Scott DeFord: The Oldest Brother

Scott DeFord is Jelly Roll’s oldest brother and a prominent figure within the DeFord family. He is happily married to Laura Bongers Smith, and together they have two sons, Ryan Smith and Nathan Smith. Nathan Smith, Scott's older son, has already begun to make his own mark, indicating a new generation within the DeFord lineage.

Jelly Roll shares a strong bond with Scott, and they often spend time together, sometimes even with all their kids. This close relationship underscores the importance of family in Jelly Roll's life, showing how his roots continue to provide a foundation for his success.

Roger DeFord: Another Key Sibling

Roger DeFord is Jelly Roll's other biological brother. While perhaps not as frequently mentioned in specific anecdotes as Scott, Roger is consistently identified as one of Jelly Roll's two brothers. The musician Jelly Roll maintains a close-knit bond with all his siblings, and Roger is an integral part of this family dynamic. The DeFord brothers, including Roger, have been known to hang out together at various occasions, sometimes even bringing their children along, highlighting their strong family ties.

What About Wade DeFord and Ricky DeFord? Unpacking the Other "Brothers"

The information surrounding Jelly Roll's siblings can sometimes be a bit complex, with different names appearing in various contexts. The provided data also introduces two other individuals identified as Jelly Roll's brothers:

Wade DeFord: Known also as Redneck Souljers, Wade DeFord is explicitly stated as Jelly Roll's brother. The DeFord brothers (Jelly Roll and Wade) have even created music together, suggesting a collaborative and familial bond within the music industry.
Ricky DeFord: According to Jelly Roll’s official website and social media accounts, his brother is "Ricky" DeFord. Ricky has also been involved in Jelly Roll’s music career, appearing on several of his tracks and music.

This introduces a layer of nuance. While Scott and Roger are consistently identified as his two biological brothers through his mother, the mention of Wade and Ricky as "his brother" suggests a broader definition of family, or perhaps they are half-brothers through his father, Horace "Buddy" DeFord. The data mentions Jelly Roll has "three siblings through his father, all of them older" and also "three half-siblings." This could imply that Scott, Roger, and Shelby are his full siblings, and Wade and Ricky are half-siblings, or that some of the names overlap or refer to the same individuals. What is clear is that Jelly Roll has multiple individuals he considers brothers, whether by blood or by bond, and these relationships have influenced his life and career.

The fact that "the three brothers hung out with all their kids" in June 2020 also suggests a core group of three brothers, which could be Scott, Roger, and either Wade or Ricky, or another unnamed sibling. The exact configuration can be complex, but the overarching theme is Jelly Roll's deep connection to his family.

Beyond Blood: The "Brotherhood" Jelly Roll Embraces

Jelly Roll is known for his expansive definition of family. He often refers to many people as his "brothers and sisters," extending his circle of trust and love beyond immediate blood relatives. This reflects his genuine, down-to-earth personality and the strong community he has built around himself. This sense of brotherhood and sisterhood extends to his close friends and collaborators, who have supported him through his journey, including his legal troubles and his inspiring return to Christian faith at 39, prompted by his daughter's interest in baptism.

His immediate family unit is also very important to him. Jelly Roll has been happily married to his wife, Alyssa DeFord, famously known as "Bunnie XO," since 2016, renewing their vows in 2023. He also has two children from previous relationships: a daughter, Bailee Ann, over whom he and Bunnie have full custody, and a son. This strong family foundation serves as his backbone, providing unwavering support.

Dispelling the Rumors: Who Isn't His Sibling?

With Jelly Roll's growing fame, various rumors about his family connections have circulated online. It's important to set the record straight on a couple of these:

Jessie Murph: Despite intriguing coincidences or fan speculation, Jelly Roll and Jessie Murph are not brother and sister. Both artists have distinct family backgrounds, and their musical expeditions unfold independently.
Cody Johnson: The answer is a resounding NO – Cody Johnson is not Jelly Roll’s brother. Both artists have vehemently denied these rumors on social media and in interviews, confirming they are simply fellow musicians, not family.

These clarifications help to focus on Jelly Roll's actual family relationships, which are rich and complex enough on their own.

In Summary

To recap, Jelly Roll, whose real name is Jason DeFord, has a core group of biological siblings: his two brothers, Scott DeFord and Roger DeFord, and his sister, Shelby DeFord. Scott, the oldest, is married with two sons. Additionally, the provided information identifies Wade DeFord (also known as Redneck Souljers) and Ricky DeFord as his brothers, with whom he has also collaborated musically. While the exact family structure with full and half-siblings can be intricate, it's clear that family, both by blood and by bond, plays a profound role in Jelly Roll's life, providing him with support, inspiration, and a deep sense of belonging.