Jelly Roll Rocks T.J. Martell Foundation Gala, Which Raises $2.2 Million for Cancer Research

Making an unexpected trip from his ongoing European tour, genre-defying performer Jelly Roll journeyed to New York to headline the T.J. Martell Foundation’s 50th anniversary benefit. The gala, hosted at the renowned Cipriani 42nd Street, successfully generated over $2.2 million in support of cancer research. In a departure from the usual brief charity appearances, Jelly Roll and his full band treated attendees to an extended set, energizing the crowd with fan favorites such as “Liar,” “I’m Not OK,” and “Save Me,” as well as a special hip-hop tribute that included tracks by N.W.A, Eminem, and Outkast.

Jelly Roll, whose real name is Jason DeFord, openly expressed his anxiety to the audience, likening the significance of the evening to two other pivotal moments in his career. “Tonight has me more on edge than usual,” he admitted. “The only other times I’ve felt this way were performing for the Pope at the Vatican and taking the stage at Clive Davis’s Pre-Grammy Gala. Who knew Clive and the Pope had that in common?” The artist first gained recognition in underground hip-hop circles before achieving mainstream success in country music with his 2023 album “Whitsitt Chapel,” which debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 chart.

The event also featured a performance by British singer Sekou, an artist signed to Republic Records, who sang “Love Language” and “Better Man.” Co-hosts for the evening included a Republic EVP and T.J. Martell Foundation Board Chairman, along with members of the Foundation’s Executive Committee. Lynn-Anne Huck, CEO of the T.J. Martell Foundation, emphasized the music industry’s longstanding dedication to the cause, stating, “For 50 years, the compassion of those in music has fueled vital progress in cancer research. Recognizing our Circle of Legends reminds us that collaboration can transform hope into tangible healing.”

Additional speakers included Sony Music EVP Julie Swidler, Big Loud CEO Seth England, and BMG’s Jon Loba. Chaka Zulu, co-founder of Disturbing the Peace Records and a 2025 Circle of Legends honoree, spoke about his collaboration with the foundation on cancer awareness initiatives and the Pioneers in the Promise Cancer Summit. The T.J. Martell Foundation was established in 1975 by music executive Tony Martell in memory of his son, and has since become one of the music industry’s leading supporters of innovative research into leukemia, cancer, and AIDS.

A highlight of the night was the introduction of the inaugural Circle of Legends award, created to honor individuals whose efforts have significantly advanced the foundation’s mission across its five-decade history. The distinguished list of recipients—both living and posthumous—included Michele Anthony, Clarence Avant, Irving Azoff, Clive Davis, Berry Gordy, Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, and Frances W. Preston. This wide-ranging recognition highlighted the music community’s profound and enduring dedication to funding cancer research and advocacy.