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

Mar. 15, 2025

Jelly Roll performs during WWE SummerSlam 2024 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.Photo:WWE/Getty

WWE/Getty

Jelly Rollis getting candid about the experiences behind his new albumBeautifully Broken.

“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.”

Jelly Roll performs live for SiriusXM at The Stephen Talkhouse.Cindy Ord/Getty

Cindy Ord/Getty

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

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

“‘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.

Jelly Roll ‘Beautifully Broken’ album cover.Courtesy of Republic Records

Courtesy of Republic Records

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 anInstagramvideo.

The singer noted in an interview withThe New York Times Magazinethat 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 Brokenis out now.

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

source: people.com