Jelly Roll’s music has a lot of depth and meaning, but you haven’t had the full Jelly experience until you’ve witnessed one of his acceptance speeches. The Nashville-native has brought new life to award shows with his motivational words and says if he ever loses that passion, he’ll quit.
“I never think about it, I just know that God takes over in those moments,” he told Audacy’s Mo & Styckman of the heartfelt speeches he’s belted out. “I just want to encourage, it’s the biggest thing I’m thinking while I’m up there.”
Admitting he hasn’t felt worthy of many of the awards he’s been presented, the 39-year-old says he’ll never pass up an opportunity to inspire.
“If I ever get the whole world to watch me for a moment, man, I want to love on somebody or lift somebody up or encourage somebody or inspire somebody,” he expressed. “Could you imagine being at an award show and being recognized for your art in front of the entire world and you win, and you stand up there and look like you didn’t even want to come? That’s crazy to me!”
He continued, “If I ever start feeling that way, somebody make me quit, please. If somebody in this industry loves me, tap me on the shoulder and go, ‘look man, you’re lost, you need to take some time off.' Let me down gently if you want to, but please, just let me down.”
Some may say actions speak louder than words and Jelly’s got that covered too as he inspires those around him after celebrating the completion of his first 5K. “When I started training for my 5K, I couldn’t walk to the end of the driveway without sounding like a French Bulldog,” he said, imitating the panting and painting a picture of just how far he’s come.
Next up, a half marathon which he says he is currently training for with at least 10 miles a week. Once he ramps up to 20 miles per week, he says he’ll have a trainer to help him kick things into high gear.
Hear all about his physical fitness goals, motivational words and so much more by checking out his entire conversation with Audacy’s Mo & Styckman above.
Words by Monica Rivera Interview by Mo & Styckman