Award-Winning Global Entertainer Jelly Roll Honoured At Oxford University
The 4x GRAMMY® Nominee Made His First Trip To The UK To Receive The Global Literacy Award And To Address Attendees As The Keynote Speaker At The World Literacy Summit 2025
Announced As An Official Ambassador Of The World Literacy Foundation
Jelly Roll (L) addressing attendees at the World Literacy Foundation at Oxford University alongside Sheriff Chris Swanson (R) / Credit: Andy Pollitt
Globally recognised award-winning musician Jelly Roll (Jason DeFord), whose groundbreaking meteoric rise in the industry has led to more than 50 international award nominations and wins in the last two years, has made an indelible mark on the music industry, despite early struggles with the law.
In recognition of his contributions to advocating for improving foundational literacy within the justice system domestically and internationally, especially among young offenders, through educational programs and resources, Jelly Roll was presented the Global Literacy Award at the World Literacy Summit 2025 at Oxford University’s Sheldonian Theatre on Tuesday. Jelly Roll was presented the award by the CEO of the World Literacy Foundation, Andrew Kay, and Board of Directors’ member, Dr Donald Green, who shared, “we are here to celebrate your advocacy for adult literacy and we say ‘thank you’.”
Speaking to the attendees, which included representatives from the World Bank, HarperCollins and Penguin Books, Jelly Roll expressed, “We’re in a room full of people who have dedicated most of their life to serving, helping, educating, and leading others. You know what I mean, like that’s what we were called to do. It’s not even what I was called to do. That’s why y’all are here right now. That’s what brought y’all to Oxford for this week.”
The keynote address, which was also broadcast on a fully booked live stream, spotlighted Jelly Roll’s remarkable journey and his continued dedication to empowering young people through education, from earning and receiving his GED while incarcerated, to his involvement with several grassroots efforts and larger institutions that encourage literacy and education, particularly those impacted by the justice system, through everything from songwriting workshops to continued education courses to certification and trade programs.
Jelly Roll’s keynote address is available to view here.
Jelly Roll (R) with his Global Literacy Award at Oxford University alongside Greg Zaralides – Conference Director World Literacy Summit (L) / Credit: Andy Pollitt
ABOUT JELLY ROLL:
Multi Award-winning, 4x GRAMMY® nominated Nashville native singer/songwriter Jelly Roll (Jason DeFord) claimed the #1 spot on the Billboard 200 All Genre Chart with his critically acclaimed 2024 album, Beautifully Broken — which earned the highest critical praise of his career so far from Rolling Stone, Billboard, Associated Press, NPR and more. The release concluded his most successful year yet and followed his sold-out nationwide Beautifully Broken Arena Tour.
Just a year earlier, Jelly debuted in the Top 3 on the Billboard 200 All Genre Chart and #2 on the Top Country Album charts with his debut country album, Whitsitt Chapel (released June 2nd, 2023) – earning the biggest country debut album in Billboard Consumption Chart history. Following his sweep at the 2023 CMT Music Awards, CMA Awards, People’s Choice Awards, People’s Choice Country Awards, “country’s ‘most authentic’ new artist” (The New Yorker) continued his award-show domination into 2024, winning big at the iHeartRadio Awards and the ACM Awards, before scoring his first two GRAMMY nominations. In 2025, the multi-genre phenomenon – currently nominated for three ACM Awards including Entertainer of the Year – cemented his rise, having already won Country Artist of the Year at this year’s iHeartRadio Music Awards and notched two more GRAMMY nominations. Before hitting the road for Post Malone’s 2025 BIG ASS STADIUM TOUR and BIG ASS WORLD TOUR, Jelly scored his seventh #1 at country radio with the six-week chart-topper “Liar,” bringing his career total up to nine #1s including: “Liar” (country/rock radio), “I Am Not Okay,” “Chevrolet” – Dustin Lynch feat. Jelly Roll, “Halfway To Hell,” “Save Me,” “Need A Favor,” “Son of A Sinner” and “Dead Man Walking” (rock radio). Now, Jelly’s spurring “Heart of Stone” – the third radio single from his Beautifully Broken record – is currently climbing the country radio charts.
“One of Nashville’s fastest rising stars” (The New York Times), he continues to break boundaries. Not just an artist but a humanitarian, Jelly continues to resonate with fans on a global scale, while racking up numerous milestones – from playing his sold-out hometown show for 18,000 fans at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena to donating a recording studio at the juvenile detention center he served in as a teen, to the release of his record-breaking documentary by ABC News, Save Me – the most watched music documentary on the platform – to his visits with rehab centers and those incarcerated across the US. Featured by Nightline, GMA, GMA3, The New York Times, GQ, LA Times, The Tennessean, Billboard, Variety, American Songwriter, CMT and more, his self-built, unconventional industry rise and unique fan connection has garnered praise from numerous outlets, with Variety noting, “for everyone who’s facing the same struggles, Jelly Roll is their Springsteen,” and American Songwriter echoing, “with a string of accolades and an extremely dedicated following, Jelly Roll has emerged as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.”
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