In the midst of numerous crises plaguing our nation, such as the opioid epidemic, mass incarceration, mental health crisis, and gun violence, the music of Jelly Roll resonates deeply. It not only caters to musical preferences but also reflects the desperate longing for healing and recovery that permeates our society.
As an individual who has battled addiction and continues on the path of recovery, Jelly Roll’s music evokes a strong emotional response from me. Back in 1990, I achieved sobriety in a Nashville Alcoholics Anonymous clubhouse, where I encountered words of wisdom that bear resemblance to the lyrics of “Whitsitt Chapel.” Unfortunately, neither my alcoholic father nor my alcoholic grandfather lived past the age of 50. I have also suffered the loss of a brother and two stepbrothers due to addiction and mental illness. One was killed in a drug-motivated shooting in 1984, another died by suicide from a heroin overdose in 1991, and the third, a teenage addict, received a prison sentence for armed robbery. He later succumbed to the detrimental effects of hepatitis, diabetes, and heart disease.
After each devastating loss, I marked my body with tattoos as a permanent reminder of their presence. Additionally, I descended into drug and alcohol abuse, partly as an act of solidarity, rejecting any notion that I was different or better than my brothers. During those times, I momentarily believed that I did not deserve to live. These are the shared experiences of betrayal, survivor’s guilt, and despair that Jelly Roll encapsulates in his music. These experiences are tragically common, yet rarely publicly acknowledged. If I ever mentioned them in the past, it would have been within the safe confines of a support group, under the assurance of anonymity.
“Whitsitt Chapel” exemplifies the current sound of country music. While it incorporates traditional elements in its instrumentals and vocals, the presence of electronic drum tracks and lightly auto-tuned vocals align it with the chart-topping records of Morgan Wallen and Hardy. Wallen’s “One Thing at a Time” held the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s album chart for several months this year and shares similar themes of addiction with “Whitsitt Chapel.”
However, Jelly Roll represents a unique type of artist that has been absent from country music for a considerable time, comparable to figures like David Allan Coe from the past. His teenage years were marked by frequent stays in Nashville’s juvenile detention facilities. As revealed in the ABC News Studios documentary “Jelly Roll: Save Me,” he continues to grapple with his inner struggles, relying on prayer and personal growth to overcome them. His ability to connect with addicts, recovering individuals, and those who love them sets him apart in popular culture, reminiscent of how Nan Goldin transformed the world of high art through her experiences as an addict.
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