The Pennsylvania band named Jellyroll has sued the singer and rapper Jelly Roll (born Jason Bradley DeFord) for using his stage name. The band’s legal representatives state that their clients began using the name “Jellyroll” as early as 1980, obtaining a trademark for it in 2010.
The band (which has performed twice at the White House among other venues) sent a cease-and-desist letter to the singer in February requesting a name change. However, since no resolution was reached between them and Jelly Roll, they have now proceeded with a lawsuit. Jelly Roll, known for songs like “Son of a Sinner,” has previously stated that he chose his stage name based on a nickname his mother used to call him when he was a child.