Why Jelly Roll Found 'Solace' After Starting to Attend 'Court-Ordered' Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings at Age 14

Jelly Roll is getting candid about the experiences behind his new album Beautifully Broken.

The “Need a Favor” singer, 39, was asked during SiriusXM’s The Highway show by host Ania Hammar about his experiences in “Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous” that helped inspire his song “I Am Not Okay,” especially after the track and several others left Hammar in tears.

“Oh goodness. I don't fully remember my first real meeting 'cause I was court-ordered at like 14 so I don't remember it as much as I should,” Jelly admitted on the show. 

“But, I definitely remember the first time that I found solace in those rooms, or the first time that I kind of got introduced to the concept of this,” he added. “And how much stuff I've taken from them rooms.”

He went on to say such instances helped fuel him to make his life better as he had “never been more inspired than leaving an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting or a Narcotics Anonymous meeting.”

“I think everybody should experience one if you've never drank in your life,” he said. "I still think that there is something from it that is, you know, the good ones are like good theater. They'll make you listen, you'll learn, you'll laugh and you'll cry.”

Those meetings helped Jelly craft the song and set it up through lyrical storytelling — something he particularly loved doing. 

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“‘You hear how honest it was?’... I'm a lyric guy when it comes to that. Stories and storytelling songs were always my favorite,” he shared.

The upcoming album also features singles including “Liar,” as well as “Get By," which was recently selected by ESPN to be the 2024 College Football Season anthem. The latter in particular, he sings about navigating life's obstacles — and getting back up when you're falling down.

His message was reiterated with the release of his album, as all net profits from each of its pre-orders in his U.S. web store will go to organizations helping those who struggle with mental health issues and addiction — and Jelly said fans already raised $850,000 in an Instagram video.

The singer noted in an interview with The New York Times Magazine that he wants to be intentional with all his new projects.

“I’m looking for songs that have a purpose,” Jelly told the outlet. “When I go to put out a song under the name Jelly Roll, I think to myself, Why?"

He continued: "Because for the first time in my life, it has nothing to do with a financial decision. I’m well past putting out anything for money. So, now, it really is a why."

Beautifully Broken is out now.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.