Jelly Roll Performs Emotional “I Am Not Okay” During Emmy’s ‘In Memoriam’ Segment

Jelly Roll can get the waterworks going just as easily as he can bring the house down. Last night's Emmy's performance was a testament to the 39-year-old's musical versatility. After all, he did make the genre switch from rapping to country music, and that's gone rather well for Jelly Roll. And he's recently been on a run of crafting moving, poignant songs, like his recent release of "I Am Not Okay." Jelly Roll released the song as the lead single for his forthcoming Beautifully Broken album. He's also currently on the Beautifully Broken Tour , but took some time out of his busy touring schedule to provide his heartfelt song for the Emmy's "In Memoriam" segment. Rickey Minor, the EMMY's music director, told Variety prior to the performance that there was no one else in his mind that could've matched the moment: "I think that his decision of what particular song to do will touch everyone. I cry every time I hear it. Everyone at home, make sure you have tons of tissue around. He is literally stepping off tour for a day and going right back on the road when he’s done. So, we’re so grateful to him." When it came time in the show to pay respects to those who have passed, Jelly Roll prefaced his performance - which was backed by orchestral music - with a message about his thoughts on the power of music. His words matched the moment, and perfectly led into his performance of "I Am Not Okay." "I believe that music is therapeutic. I believe that music can heal. I also believe that storytelling is just as cathartic. I hope that this song can act as a healing moment for those mourning the storytellers we have lost this year. If you are feeling lost or alone tonight, I want you to know that it’s okay to not always be okay." Well said, Jelly Roll. The artist then got right into his emotional song as a slideshow of pictures including the like of Carl Weathers, Donald Sutherland and James Earl Jones honored and remembered the entertainers the world lost this year. All in all, it was a very well executed moment for Jelly Roll, and it hopefully brought some comfort to those grieving. Take a look: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcPIsUJ3tFk&pp=ygUQamVsbHkgcm9sbCBlbW15cw%3D%3D