American country music singer and songwriter Cody Johnson often appears in the media praising fellow singer Jelly Roll, flaunting their close bond.
In an interview with Country 102.5, Cody opened up on several aspects of his life, including his friendship with Jelly Roll. According to him, their experience in prison is the substantial factor that continually pulls them toward each other.
As for Jolly Roll, Cody was more like his mentor. Cody Johnson’s mentorship made Jolly’s entry into country music smooth, and he does not hesitate to call him his big brother.
However, they are not brothers by blood but by music. So, to be clear, Cody Johnson and Jolly Roll are not related, but their same past makes them feel close.
Jolly mentions him as his 2 AM buddy, with whom he can talk about god, life, the beauty of the country music business, and their love for music.
Cody Johnson said he and Jelly Roll are deeply related to their collaborative song’s ‘message of redemption’
In 2023, Cody Johnson released his song entitled Whisky Bent featuring the Nashville-based country singer Jelly Roll. The two collaborated on the song after Jelly felt connected to its theme.
Cody Johnson also mentioned that the ‘song’s message of redemption’ made him and Jelly Roll feel related to each other. He further stated, “I think we’ve both lived that song in our own ways. People look at me as this clean-cut, wholesome guy, but I’m no different than anybody else.”
Bonded by their similar incarceration backgrounds, country music singers Jelly Roll and Cody Johnson consider each other their best friends.
On March 6, while performing at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Jelly invited Cody onto the stage. It was a complete surprise to his audience, and the crowd could see a glimpse of their relationship live.
Shouting out to the audience, Jelly proudly said that Cody is his best friend. “Cody Johnson has been one of my best friends in country music.“
The nearly 75,000-person audience hugely appreciated their friendship, as reported by Taste of Country.
Additional Information
- Cody Johnson, 37, was born on May 21, 1987, to parents Sheila and Carl Johnson. He married Brandi Johnson in 2008. They have two daughters, Clara Mae and Cori.
- Jelly Roll, 39 was born on December 4, 1984, to his parents, Donna and Buddy. He got married to his wife, Bunnie XO, a podcaster, in 2016.