Jelly Roll Becomes Newest Member Of The Opry

Jelly Roll officially joined the Grand Ole Opry and was inducted by his close friend and fellow Opry member Lainey Wilson. Joining Jelly Roll’s Opry induction night was early mentor and Opry member Craig Morgan, as well as Leanne Morgan and ERNEST.

The evening provided a full circle moment for the Grammy-award winning artist. While serving time at the Davidson Country Juvenile Correctional Detention Center, Jelly Roll met Sherriff Daron Hall and DCJ Correctional Professional Yolanda Hockett, who were in attendance and thanked from the stage for their belief and guidance. He also thanked his family including his mom who was sitting in the front row – it was the first time she had seen him perform at the Opry.

Also in attendance were members from the Judge Dinkins Educational Center, which Jelly Roll supports to help empower underserved youth.

Jelly Roll, wearing a cross that belonged to Johnny Cash that was given to him by Cash’s son John Carter Cash, kicked off his induction with high-powered performances of his hits “Liar,” “Need A Favor,” “I Am Not Okay,” “Hard Fought Hallelujah” and “Son Of A Sinner” joined by his friend ERNEST. Following an emotional video of his history with the Opry, friend and Grammy-winner Lainey Wilson walked to the circle with him to officially welcome into the family. 

“There are some people in this business who are great singers, some people who are great songwriters and storytellers, and every once in a while, somebody comes along who is something even bigger than that,” said Wilson. “They are a voice for people who feel like they don’t have one. And that’s exactly who Jelly Roll is. Your love for Jesus Christ radiates from you, and I’m so proud of you. Country music has always been about telling stories, the good, the bad, the messy; it’s about redemption, and tonight we are welcoming a man who has never been afraid to tell the truth about his life. He turned pain into purpose, mistakes into music, and somehow managed to make millions of people feel like they are a little less alone. I’m so proud to call you my friend. Jelly Roll, because of your heart, your story, and the way you have used your voice to lift everybody else up, it is my honor to welcome you into the Grand Ole Opry family.”

An emotional Jelly Roll received his Opry member award stating: “To take a convicted felon from Music City who found country music because I’m from Nashville, and you take that kid who’s been in the local juvenile and local county jail, and you bring him here and give him Grammys, awards and platinum plaques, and then you make him a member of the most prestigious group of the Grand Ole Opry. Every word of that sounded like I’m telling you a lot about myself, but that is a story only God could be the author of. Some stories only God can write. This is truly a God story. I talk a lot more about him now because I’m getting a lot closer to him and I recognize that. I don’t deserve this, I don’t deserve the grace God gave me, but I think that’s the best part, right? And yet he gives it all the time.”

The two friends closed the show with a performance of their duet “Save Me.”

Jelly Roll was invited to become a member during a surprise moment of his interview on The Joe Rogan Experience. Rogan surprised Jelly Roll with a video message from Opry member Craig Morgan – inviting him to join the Opry family. 

Jelly Roll’s Opry history with Morgan dates back to when he was freshly released from prison. Jelly Roll was in the Opry audience as Morgan performed “Almost Home,” a moment the star references as “life changing” for him. Years later, Jelly was surprised on stage by Morgan, where they performed “Almost Home” together. Morgan presented handwritten, autographed framed lyrics of “Almost Home” to Jelly to commemorate the occasion. 

Jelly Roll made his Opry debut on Nov. 9, 2021, and has become an Opry fan favorite and beloved by not only the fans, but many of its members over the years. Jelly Roll has dedicated his time to playing the show numerous times, mentoring many artists through the Opry “NextStage” program, and serving as host of “Opry NextStage Live”shows in Texas.  

The Opry will continue its 100th celebration in 2026 with a performance March 20 at Carnegie Hall, Opry 100 Honors shows including “Opry 100 Honors Little Jimmy Dickens” (March 21).