While singers understand the pressure that comes with performing on stage, nothing can prepare them for standing under the spotlight of the Grand Ole Opry. The historic venue helped shape the careers of countless country music stars and continues to welcome new generations of singers. Holding a special spot in country music, Brandon Lake and Jelly Roll once walked on stage to perform Lake’s hit song “Hard Fought Hallelujah.”
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With the Grand Ole Opry packed with fans, Lake started the song out as Jelly Roll soaked in the atmosphere. Throughout the performance, fans stood, holding their hands to the sky. The song, written by Lake, Benjamin Hastings, Rodrick Simmons, Chris Brown, and Steven Furtick, surrounded a person’s struggle with faith and the praise that comes with giving one’s life to the Lord.
Eventually stepping away from the mic, Lake continued to play as Jelly Roll took over. Even before their performance at the Grand Ole Opry, Lake discussed why he decided to collaborate with the singer, “I wanted to share this song with somebody that had a really beautiful and hard-fought story, and the first person that came to mind was Jelly.”
Jelly Roll Wanted More Than An “Off-Brand Collab”
Not knowing if Jelly Roll would want to work with him, Lake got his team to reach out and was shocked to learn the country singer was a fan. Jelly Roll said, “I’m honored that I was the call. I’m a Brandon Lake fan… What he’s doing for Christian music, even outside of Christian music — he’s taking it further than I’ve seen anybody take it in a long time.”
Besides sharing the song, Jelly Roll wanted their collaboration to be more than work. Given the subject matter, the rising star admitted, “We didn’t want it to feel like an off-brand collab. I wanted to share my heart with him. You can always expect me to be honest to the human I am right now.”
Their approach to “Hard Fought Hallelujah” appeared to pay off as fans discussed the performance, writing, “As a Pastor who has fought their own deep battles, I believe God is using Jelly Roll to touch a generation of people, to help them understand the Father’s Love and to come Home.”
