The sound of a basketball echoing in the gym was the last thing anyone expected to hear from Jelly Roll before his sold-out show. Hours before he took the stage at the North Dakota State Fair, the Grammy-nominated artist and his crew laced up their sneakers at Minot State University for a friendly but intense game of hoops. It was not just a warm-up; it was part of Jelly Roll’s journey to better health, blending fun with fitness while on the road.
For more than an hour and a half, Jelly Roll (real name Jason DeFord) and his bandmates played like a team gearing up for the big leagues. Between shots, he took time to sign items and chat with MSU staff, sharing laughs and snapping photos. The visit had one final touch: Minot State gifted Jelly Roll the hat he proudly wore during his concert. At the same time, his crew sported custom jerseys and shirts on stage, making the performance feel even more connected to the local community.
Jelly Roll and his crew played basketball at Minot State before their Sunday concert at the state fair, where they received the apparel they wore on stage.
By the time Jelly Roll hit the Grandstand stage, the crowd of 18,000 fans was ready for magic. His music filled the summer night with an energy that was both raw and heartfelt. Known for his ability to connect with every person in the crowd, Jelly Roll made the show feel like a conversation and an exchange of stories, emotions and hope, all wrapped in songs that resonate with listeners of all ages.
That same unfiltered emotion flows through his live performance video of “Only & Love The Heartless.” Filmed during the quiet isolation of quarantine, this medley captures a side of Jelly Roll that is stripped down yet deeply powerful. “I’ve always felt making music was therapeutic for me,” he shared and you can hear that truth in every note he sings.
Jelly Roll – Only & Love The Heartless (Live)
The performance, recorded at Amber Sound in Nashville, feels more like an indie rock house show than a polished studio session. Without the safety net of a click track, Jelly Roll and his band leaned into the moment letting each beat and chord flow naturally. The result is an intimate and soulful performance, one that feels like it’s reaching out to anyone who needs a reminder that they’re not alone.
From the basketball court to the stage, Jelly Roll shows that his journey is about more than music; it’s about connection, resilience and heart. Follow Jelly Roll on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook. His next song or show might be exactly what you need to hear.