Jelly Roll is a multi-genre singer and songwriter who has been making waves in the music industry with his collaborations with artists like Tech N9ne, Lil Wyte, Haystak, and Struggle Jennings. He is known for his distinctive voice, tattoos, and outlaw attitude. But is he related to another famous outlaw in country music, Waylon Jennings?
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Who is Waylon Jennings?
Waylon Jennings was an American singer, songwriter, musician, and actor who was one of the pioneers of the outlaw movement in country music. He started playing guitar at the age of eight and performed on radio at the age of 14. He was influenced by artists like Hank Williams, Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, and Bob Wills. He recorded for various labels and had many hit songs, such as “Lonesome, On’ry and Mean”, “Honky Tonk Heroes”, “Are You Ready for the Country”, “Luckenbach, Texas”, and “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys”. He also formed a supergroup with Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, and Johnny Cash called The Highwaymen. He died in 2002 at the age of 64 from complications of diabetes.
Are They Related?
The rumor that Jelly Roll and Waylon Jennings are related stems from the fact that Jelly Roll’s real name is Jason DeFord and that he has a close musical and personal relationship with Struggle Jennings, who is Waylon Jennings’ grandson. Struggle Jennings, whose real name is Will Harness, is the son of Jennifer Harness, who is Waylon Jennings’ daughter from his second marriage to Lynne Jones. Struggle Jennings and Jelly Roll have collaborated on several albums and songs, such as “Waylon & Willie”, “Love Won”, “Fall in the Fall”, and “Glitter”. They also share a similar style of blending country, rap, and rock influences.
However, according to Wikipedia, Jelly Roll is not biologically related to Waylon Jennings or Struggle Jennings. He was born in Nashville, Tennessee, to Lorene Beatrice Shipley and William Albert DeFord. He has no known connection to the Jennings family tree. He adopted the stage name Jelly Roll after a nickname given to him by his mother because of his chubby appearance as a child. He also goes by the aliases Fat Man Jones and Big Ass White Boy.
Why Do People Think They Are Related?
One possible reason why people think that Jelly Roll and Waylon Jennings are related is because of their physical resemblance. Both of them have long hair, beards, tattoos, and a rugged look. They also have similar musical tastes and influences. Another possible reason is because of their frequent collaboration and friendship with Struggle Jennings, who is Waylon Jennings’ grandson. They often pay tribute to Waylon Jennings in their songs and videos, such as wearing his T-shirts, hats, or jackets. They also share a common bond of overcoming addiction, legal troubles, and personal struggles.
Conclusion
Jelly Roll and Waylon Jennings are not related by blood or by marriage. They are only connected by their musical partnership and friendship with Struggle Jennings, who is Waylon Jennings’ grandson. However, they do share a lot of similarities in their appearance, style, genre, and attitude. They are both outlaws in their own way and have made a mark in the music industry with their unique sound and voice.
