[2] His skills improved over time and by his teenage years Manning had earned a reputation as a master of blues guitar and harmonica.
[4][5] Manning began composing sacred songs, performing for prayer meetings and revivals, and releasing gospel recordings.
[3][6][8] Some of these were reissued in 2011 in a set by Fat Possum Records' Big Legal Mess subsidiary called Converted Mind.
Through the Music Maker Relief Foundation, he recorded the album Gospel Train (2005), where he turned to play an acoustic guitar and harmonica.
[12] 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.
[2] Drewery N. Beale, mayor of Roanoke Rapids, proclaimed April 8, 2003, "Bishop Dready Manning Day" in that city.