Jelly Roll will make his highly anticipated Austin City Limits (ACL) debut on Saturday, November 2, 2023. This momentous occasion will feature the premiere of a six-song set that prominently showcases his Billboard Country Airplay chart top 5 hit “I Am Not Okay,” alongside his chart-topping single “Need a Favor,” which dominated the Country Airplay chart for an impressive four weeks.
In an engaging prelude to his performance, Jelly Roll connects deeply with the audience by stating, “The thing about these shows are, is that it’s more than a concert, it’s more than music. It’s bigger than me; it’s bigger than the music. It’s about the message. It’s about redemption, it’s about second chances, it’s about being OK with not being OK sometimes.” This heartfelt introduction sets the tone for an emotional and uplifting experience.
At one poignant moment during his ACL appearance, Jelly Roll shares a personal anecdote with the crowd. He reminisces about the joy of growing up watching the show, recalling his youthful bedroom adorned with posters of legendary artists, including the likes of Willie Nelson and George Jones. To further connect with the Austin spirit, he shows his appreciation for the city’s culture by flashing the iconic “Hook ‘Em Horns” hand sign, a well-known symbol of support for the University of Texas at Austin Longhorns.
Jelly Roll’s impressive musical journey has led him to score five No. 1 hits on the Billboard Country Airplay charts. With the release of his new album, Beautifully Broken, the Antioch, Tennessee native has reached remarkable heights, achieving a notable debut at No. 1 on the all-genre Billboard 200 chart.
The highly-anticipated Nov. 2 episode will not only spotlight Jelly Roll’s debut performance but will also feature the talented husband-and-wife duo The War and Treaty, who will be showcasing their captivating songs, including the heartfelt tracks “Blank Page” and “Leads Me Home.”
Jelly Roll’s debut on Austin City Limits occurs during the show’s celebratory 50th anniversary season, a significant milestone that honors five decades of showcasing the music industry’s most accomplished artists. This landmark season has already highlighted performances by other celebrated acts such as Kacey Musgraves, Black Pumas, Maggie Rogers, Nickel Creek, and Brittany Howard.
Get an exclusive early look at Jelly Roll’s ACL appearance with his performance of “I Am Not Okay” below:
**Interview with Jelly Roll Ahead of His Austin City Limits Debut**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Jelly Roll! Your Austin City Limits debut is just around the corner. How does it feel to be performing on such a legendary stage?
**Jelly Roll:** Thank you for having me! It’s honestly a dream come true. Austin City Limits has been a huge part of my life; I remember watching it as a kid, dreaming of the day I’d have my chance to be up there. Now that it’s finally happening, it feels surreal.
**Editor:** You’ve said that your shows are “more than a concert.” Can you elaborate on that for us?
**Jelly Roll:** Absolutely. When I perform, it’s about creating a space for connection. I want people to feel that it’s not just about the music, but about the messages behind the songs. Themes of redemption and the acknowledgment that it’s okay to not be okay resonate deeply with a lot of people. I hope to inspire others who have faced struggles and to provide a sense of hope and healing.
**Editor:** Your set will feature some top hits, including “I Am Not Okay” and “Need a Favor.” What can fans expect from this performance?
**Jelly Roll:** I’m really excited to share a six-song set that encapsulates my journey and where I am now. Each song has a story, and I want to invite the audience into my world. Expect a lot of energy, some emotional moments, and hopefully some cathartic experiences for everyone in the crowd.
**Editor:** You’ve also shared a personal anecdote about your childhood memories of watching ACL. How do those memories influence your performance today?
**Jelly Roll:** Those memories keep me grounded. Remembering my younger self watching artists I admired, dreaming of doing what they do, fuels my passion. I want to take that joy I felt back then and pass it on. It’s about creating moments that people can cherish, just like I did.
**Editor:** Sounds wonderful! Is there anything you’d like to say to your fans who will be attending the show?
**Jelly Roll:** Just a huge thank you for their support! I can’t wait to share this experience with all of you. Let’s make some great memories together, and remember, we’re all in this together!
**Editor:** We can’t wait to see you shine on that stage. Thank you for your time, Jelly Roll!
**Jelly Roll:** Thank you for having me! See you at ACL!
