Jelly Roll Prepares To Leave the U.S. For Strummingbird Festival in Australia

August 1, 2025 9:41 am

While most singers start out as unknowns, Jelly Roll’s path to country music came with a great deal of redemption. Since a teenager, the country star found himself on the wrong side of the law more than once. Arrested over 40 times throughout his teens, Jelly Roll faced charges for dealing drugs, shoplifting, and even aggravated robbery. Finally changing his life around, the singer still struggled with his past as he couldn’t leave the United States due to his conviction. But with the Tennessee Board of Parole recommending a full pardon, Jelly Roll already prepared to head down under for the Strummingbird Festival.

Videos by American Songwriter

With 2025 appearing to fly by, only a few months remain before the new year. And wanting to make the most of the remaining months, Jelly Roll added more than a couple of concerts overseas. For starters, the country star will head to the Strummingbird Festival in late October as a headliner. The event also promoted Shaboozey as another performer at the music festival.

Although thrilled to take his love for country music to Australia, that was just the start. Looking at his touring schedule, Jelly Roll will take the stage in Canada, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, France, Spain, Portugal, and even the Netherlands.

Jelly Roll Believes Second Chances Are Earned

Ready to share his big personality with the entire world, Jelly Roll still struggled with how drastically his life shifted. “From who I represent and the people I represent in America, also even in country music, to being one of the first country artists with my own shoe… I don’t know man, it’s just cool and it could have happened with anybody.”

Never forgetting the road that led him to country music stardom, Jelly Roll always found ways to give back. Speaking with inmates or even helping those in his community, the singer promised he needed to earn every chance. “I think second chances are earned. I think sometimes you can earn them in opportunity — there are opportunities to earn — but I believe that second chances are earned.”

Given a second chance, Jelly Roll made sure this time – he would make the most of it. And with the singer going international, the world will soon learn just how much passion and love he brought to the stage.

(Photo by WWE/Craig Melvin/WWE via Getty Images)