5 Reasons Why Jelly Roll And Brooks & Dunn's "Believe" Is Country Music's Most Emotional Collaboration Of 2024
The collaboration between Jelly Roll and country music icons Brooks & Dunn is not just a musical mashup, but a monumental moment for the genre, symbolizing a powerful bridge between country music's past and its future. This unexpected, yet perfect, pairing came to a head in late 2024, culminating in a tear-jerking performance that instantly became one of the most talked-about moments of the year.
As of December 19, 2025, the impact of their joint rendition of the song "Believe" continues to resonate. The track is a centerpiece of Brooks & Dunn's 2024 album, Reboot II, where the legendary duo re-recorded some of their biggest hits with a new generation of country and rock stars. The blend of Jelly Roll's raw, soulful vocals with the duo's classic country sound has created a fresh, deeply emotional track that is captivating fans across all demographics.
Artist Profiles: The Legends and The Phenomenon
The significance of this collaboration is rooted in the distinct and powerful careers of the artists involved. Here is a brief look at the profiles of the three musicians who brought this project to life.
Jelly Roll (Jason Bradley DeFord)
- Full Name: Jason Bradley DeFord
- Born: December 4, 1984
- Birthplace: Nashville, Tennessee (Antioch neighborhood)
- Genres: Country, Hip-Hop, Rock, Rap
- Career Highlights: Rose to mainstream fame with his transition to country/rock music, known for his candid lyrics about addiction, recovery, and faith, and his ability to blend genres.
Brooks & Dunn (Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn)
- Members: Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn
- Formed: 1988/1990 in Nashville, Tennessee
- Founding Story: The duo was formed at the suggestion of songwriter and record producer Tim DuBois, who paired the two artists who had previously been pursuing solo careers.
- Debut Album: Brand New Man
- Key Achievements: One of the most significant creative pairings in country music history, Country Music Hall of Fame inductees, known for hits like "Boot Scootin' Boogie," "Neon Moon," and "Believe".
The Genesis of the "Believe" Collaboration on Reboot II
The joint effort on "Believe" is part of a larger project: Brooks & Dunn’s Reboot II album, which was released in 2024. This album is a follow-up to their successful 2019 project, Reboot, which saw them re-record classic hits with contemporary artists.
A Bridge Between Eras
The concept of Reboot II is to introduce their timeless songs to a new generation of listeners while celebrating the current landscape of country music. The decision to feature Jelly Roll on "Believe" was a stroke of genius, aligning the song's spiritual and emotional core with the younger artist’s deeply personal and raw storytelling style.
Other Major Collaborators
Jelly Roll is in good company, as Reboot II features a dynamic lineup of other major country stars. These collaborations further solidify the album’s status as a generational crossover project:
- Lainey Wilson on "Play Something Country"
- Morgan Wallen on "Neon Moon"
- The Marcus King Band on "Rock My World (Little Country Girl)"
The Profound Meaning Behind "Believe"
The song "Believe" is not just another country hit; it is one of Brooks & Dunn's most powerful and emotionally charged singles, originally released in 2005 on the album Hillbilly Deluxe.
A Narrative of Faith and Loss
Written by Ronnie Dunn and Craig Wiseman, the song tells a compelling narrative from the perspective of a man reflecting on his childhood and the profound, unwavering faith of an old man he knew. The old man, who had lost his wife and son, maintained his belief that he would see them again in Heaven someday.
Jelly Roll's Personal Connection
Jelly Roll’s addition to the track brings a new layer of authenticity and grit to the spiritual ballad. Known for his public struggles with addiction and incarceration, his journey of redemption and faith perfectly mirrors the song’s themes of hope and belief in something greater. His rugged, gospel-tinged delivery adds a raw, almost testimonial quality to the lyrics, transforming the classic into a modern anthem of spiritual resilience.
The Epic 2024 CMA Awards Performance
The collaboration reached its peak visibility with a joint performance at the 58th CMA Awards in Nashville in late 2024. This live rendition was hailed as one of the most anticipated and moving moments of the entire show.
A Crowd-Pleasing Moment
The trio's performance of "Believe" brought a "heavy dose of Sunday morning worship" to the awards ceremony. Critics and fans alike noted the powerful, teary-eyed emotions evoked by the performance, with some fans saying it "made grown men cry". The blend of the multi-generational talents on stage—Kix Brooks' energy, Ronnie Dunn's pure vocal power, and Jelly Roll's raw, heartfelt delivery—created an unforgettable musical experience.
Symbolism in Country Music
The moment was highly symbolic. It showcased the genre's ability to embrace artists from non-traditional backgrounds, like Jelly Roll, while simultaneously honoring its legends. The performance was a visible passing of the torch, where a new voice was given the stage by the genre’s royalty to sing about the shared, timeless themes of faith, struggle, and hope.
Why This Collaboration Defines the New Country Sound
The synergy between Jelly Roll and Brooks & Dunn on "Believe" is more than just a one-off performance; it’s an indicator of the direction modern country music is heading. It defines a sound that is both traditional and boundary-pushing.
Genre Fluidity
Jelly Roll, who seamlessly moves between hip-hop, rock, and country, represents the genre’s increasing fluidity. By choosing him, Brooks & Dunn validated the idea that country music's core themes—storytelling, struggle, and faith—can be delivered through a variety of sonic palettes. The re-recording is a perfect example of modernizing a classic without losing its soul.
Topical Authority and Relevance
This collaboration has significantly increased the topical authority around both artists. For Brooks & Dunn, it proves their continued relevance and influence, connecting their decades-long legacy directly to the charts of 2024 and 2025. For Jelly Roll, it cements his status as a serious, respected country artist, earning the endorsement of a Hall of Fame duo. The collective weight of their individual stories and musical styles makes their joint "Believe" a powerful, definitive track for the current era.
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