User:Gbledsoe/draft article on Bishop Dready Manning

Mayor Drewery N. Beale, mayor of Roanoke Rapids, NC, proclaimed April 8, 2003 "Bishop Dready Manning Day" in that city. The Proclamation listed six celebratory clauses that document Manning's history and contributions. Manning was "born in 1934 in the farming community of Gaston, NC and grew up hearing local guitarists and 'harp' players who played the blues in a style that had come to be closely identified with the Carolinas." He "decided at an early age to follow in the footsteps of these blues artists and earned the reputation as an all-around master of the blues." "Following an illness in the early 1960s, Bishop Dready Manning felt the calling of the Lord to use his musical gifts towards God's service." He, along with his "full-voiced wife 'Mother Marie,'" and their three daughters--Clara, Carolyn and Joyce, formed the Manning Family gospel singers. On April 23, 2003, Bishop Manning received a North Carolina Folk Heritage Award from the North Carolina Arts Council. The award "recognizes individuals throughout North Carolina who have demonstrated long-time contributions and commitments to the cultural life--and, in particular, the artistic expressions--of their local communities."

Bishop Manning and his wife Marie have been invited to perform throughout the United States and Europe, but the needs of their parishioners have kept them rooted to their home county. Marie Manning sings powerful old-time gospel while Bishop Manning plays hard-driving guitar.

Bishop Manning performs and gives an interview on the recording Drink house to church house: songs & stories from the roots of America. Marie performs on the recording "Sisters of the South: A Whole Life of Blues," a Music Maker CD.