Jelly Roll and Morgan Wallen have been friends for years, so it only makes sense that the two would collaborate on a song together. The “Need a Favor” singer says there is no doubt he and Wallen will combine their talents on a track together, based on their close relationship.
“I think the thing about Morgan is, it’s a dream collab for me, but I don’t think of it that way, ’cause I think it’s inevitable,” Jelly Roll told Holler Country. “Our friendship is just inevitably going to end up where we make more songs together, write together. He’s one of my best friends in the music business.”
Earlier this year, Jelly Roll also praised Wallen, for who he is on and off the stage.
“Morgan Wallen is a real guy in a town full of fakes,” Jelly Roll told Music Mayhem. “That’s the truth. There’s a lot of fake smiles in country music, and Morgan Wallen is the real deal.”
Wallen was already having success when Jelly Roll made his mark in country music, with ” Son of a Sinner” hitting No. 1 in 2022. But even before all of country music knew who Jelly Roll was, it was Wallen who was quietly lending support and helping the Nashville native succeed.
“I told somebody the other day privately, but I’ll say it publicly, that Morgan has helped me more than you would think just by the advice he’s given me privately, the way he speaks about me in rooms privately, and the way he spoke about me publicly,” Jelly Roll boasted. “He has been [a good friend to me]. I tell you what, it doesn’t hurt when the biggest artist in the genre has your back. Definitely. I couldn’t have asked for a better friend at a better time.”
“I just appreciate his friendship, and I appreciate him being a staple in the city. I’m excited about his success as well,” he added.
Jelly Roll just kicked off his Backroad Baptism Tour. His goal, more than just giving his fans a night to remember, is to remind people — people who once felt like their situation was hopeless, as he once did — that there is always a way out of whatever situation they find themselves in.
“I feel like there are times I get to be a voice for the voiceless,” he told Nashville Lifestyles. “And getting to perform live? You can feel the connection in the room. It’s palpable.”
Jelly Roll might be a physical reminder of what is possible, going from prison to a country music superstar, but he isn’t willing to take all of the credit for being an inspiration for his fans.
“Here’s the thing: I never denied the music helps, but I don’t want my fans to ever undermine how much they put in the work to fight their own demons,” Jelly Roll said. “I want my fans to give themselves credit for all they’ve overcome. Music meets you where you are. That’s what makes it so impactful and important.”
Jelly Roll and Wallen have both been announced as headliners for the 2024 Gulf Coast Jam, taking place May 30 to June 2 in Panama City Beach, Florida. Tickets are on sale now at GulfCoastJam.com. Find all of Jelly Roll’s music and upcoming shows at JellyRoll615.com
Read ‘Jelly Roll: 11 Things to Know About the Reformed Singer’ here.