In the fall of 2023, Chanel Clarke, her mother Minia Smith, and her granddaughter Abby had an experience that would leave them forever connected to Jelly Roll, the country rapper whose music had already provided them with solace in the midst of grief. This moving encounter took place backstage at the Grand Ole Opry, a venue many artists dream of performing at, but for this family, it turned into an emotional turning point in their healing process. The women’s emotions were raw as they were reunited with the music that had already meant so much to them.
As the family shared their story with Taste of Country, it became clear just how impactful Jelly Roll’s songs were. For them, it was more than just a concert or a backstage meet-and-greet — it was a moment of emotional release, a chance to connect with the artist who had unknowingly been a guide through their darkest moments.
The Tragic Loss of Brandon Smith
The story behind this special moment is rooted in deep loss. In March 2021, Brandon Smith, Minia’s son, was tragically shot in his Phoenix home. His wife was later arrested and charged with his murder, and their 14-year-old daughter, Abby, was forced to witness the horror. The family’s grief was compounded by the traumatic environment Brandon’s wife created at home, with mental health struggles and erratic behavior that made them all fear for their safety.
The family’s experience of loss and trauma is heartbreaking. Abby and Clarke’s decision to relocate to Tennessee, seeking a fresh start away from the painful memories, marked the beginning of their journey towards healing. Despite the trauma they had endured, their connection to Jelly Roll’s music became a crucial part of their emotional recovery.
The Power of Jelly Roll’s Music
When Chanel Clarke first heard Save Me by Jelly Roll, the lyrics struck her deeply. As she was cleaning her house in January 2021, she paused as the song played through her speakers, captivated by the line, “Somebody save me / Me from myself / I’ve spent so long living in hell.” She couldn’t help but think of her brother, Brandon, and how his struggles with his own mental health and fears for his life mirrored the song’s sentiment.
Songs like Save Me and Glitter became therapeutic for the family, offering them an emotional outlet when words alone couldn’t express their pain. Jelly Roll’s music, which often deals with themes of self-doubt, suffering, and hope for redemption, was a soundtrack to their healing, and it spoke directly to their grief. They were able to find comfort in his raw, vulnerable lyrics.
The Moment of Connection with Jelly Roll
In October 2023, the family bought front-row tickets to see Jelly Roll perform at the Bridgestone Arena. But when they learned he would also be performing at the Grand Ole Opry, they decided to seize the opportunity to meet him. Clarke had prepared a flannel shirt with the words “Mama Tried” on the back, a tribute to the struggles her family had faced.
After the performance, the family made their way backstage, hoping for a chance to meet the man whose music had helped them through so much. When they finally came face to face with Jelly Roll, the emotional weight of the moment was overwhelming. Clarke described how her mother, Minia, reacted, saying it felt like “getting a chance to hug my brother again.” It’s clear that Jelly Roll’s music had become a bridge between their grief and the healing they were now beginning to embrace.
A Heartfelt Conversation and the Legacy of Grief
What transpired backstage was not just a fan interaction but a deeply emotional exchange. Jelly Roll listened to their story, visibly moved by the family’s pain and resilience. In a touching video shared by Taste of Country, Minia tells Jelly Roll that they played his song at Brandon’s funeral. The moment captures not only their sorrow but also the bond formed through music.
Jelly Roll’s response to Abby, as he whispered through tears, is one of the most powerful moments of the encounter. “You have a really strong testimony,” he tells her, his voice thick with emotion. “And one day, you’re going to use it to accomplish a lot of good for the world.” His words, simple yet profound, acknowledged the strength that Abby would one day draw from her pain. Jelly Roll’s empathy and encouragement, as he gently reassured Abby to take her time to grieve in her own way, left a lasting impact.
Abby later reflected on the encounter, saying, “It was truly remarkable how he said that to me. I felt so special, and just — it couldn’t have been better.” For her, the exchange not only offered comfort but also instilled a sense of empowerment, showing her that her grief and her story had value.
In the end, it’s clear that Jelly Roll’s music became more than just a soundtrack for this family’s journey through loss; it was a source of connection, healing, and hope. Through his own vulnerability and the genuine connection he established with Abby and her family, Jelly Roll has proven how music can transcend entertainment and become a powerful force for emotional recovery.
