Bishop Dready Manning

Bishop Dready Lewis Manning (born August 10, 1934, in Gaston, North Carolina – died, age 83, August 16, 2017, in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina) was an American singer, songwriter, guitarist, and harmonica player. Dready started as a blues musician, then switched to Gospel at age 28. He played Gospel music infused with Piedmont blues elements. His style was influenced by Piedmont blues musicians such as Blind Boy Fuller, Brownie McGhee, and Buddy Moss, and national stars including Lightnin' Hopkins, Jimmy Reed, and Sonny Boy Williamson. He was also the founder of St. Mark Holiness Church in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, and a North Carolina Arts Council Folk Heritage Award winner. Manning was a long-time host of a Sunday morning radio show on WSMY in Weldon, North Carolina.

1960s-1980s gospel artist from Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina.
Operated the Nashbrand, Manning Recording Co., The Big Sound Record Co., Peatock, and The Manning Big Sound Recording Co. labels.