About Us
| UNSHACKLED Traditional Bluegrass Gospel |
Warren Blackard: Instrument - Bass / vocals Home Town - Chocowinity, N.C. Wife - Lorrie Sons - Ryan and Jamie Warren was born in Mount Airy, North Carolina. Raised by his parents, Buddy and Margaret in Dry Pond, Virginia . He has deep roots in Bluegrass music. After piano lessons and a short time playing Rock and Roll music, Warren was encouraged to learn the guitar. He then played Bluegrass with family members and friends for 5 years. Since being saved in 1981 he has only played Gospel music. In 1986, Warren was ask to play bass for a Bluegrass Gospel group from Mount Airy. Since then he has only played bass in Southern Gospel, Bluegrass Gospel and his church. He is a member of Union Chapel Free Will Baptist Church in Chocowinity. He now plays a Guild B-4 acoustic bass and an Engelhardt upright bass. He joined Unshackled in September 2003. "I thank the Lord each and every day for salvation, my family, His grace, all the members of Unshackled, our ministry and the many blessings He allows me to have." Marvin Walker: Instrument - Banjo / vocals Home Town - Kinston, N.C Wife - Bronda Daughter - Amy and Sally Marvin has lived in the flatlands since 1988. He was born and raised in the foothills of western North Carolina, in a small community called Hiddenite. His mother played piano and organ, but Marvin never tried to play an instrument until his mid 20's. This instrument was the banjo. Like all musicians he says, he's still learning. He built his first banjo in 1978. Since, he's built 14 others, including one 3/4 size and six 1/2 size mini banjos. Little Roy Lewis, Ricky Skaggs, Levi Austin, Al Batten and Chris Hill each own one of his mini banjos. He is currently making a 3/4 "mini" for a private individual. You can check out his work at www.walkerbanjos.embarqspace.com He owns two flatheads, one archtop and three 1/2 size banjos, all Walker made. He joined Unshackled in November of 2006. "I enjoy playing bluegrass gospel music, especially in churches, because all have gathered for one purpose.......to worship and praise God." Elton Ipock: Instrument - Mandolin / vocals Home Town - Washington, N.C Wife - Sue Sons - Elton Jr. and Daniel Elton is a member of Faith Free Will Baptist Church in Washington, North Carolina (the Original Washington). He started playing drums at an early age with his brother and friends. His mother played piano in church for many years. He now enjoys playing guitar, bass and of course the mandolin. He has recently started playing a fiddle. He began playing mandolin in 2002 and now it is his instrument of choice. He owns a bass, three fiddles and three mandolins, his favorite being a Gibson F5G . His wife Sue, has been a blessing to him, and the group by giving much needed support and keeping a smile on her face, no matter how many sour notes she hears. His bluegrass heroes are Ralph Stanley and of course, the late, great Bill Monroe. Elton joined Unshackled in February 2006. "I continually thank God for my talents, His gifts, my wife and two wonderful sons. My prayer is that I continue to have the privilege of spreading the gospel in song." Preston Norman: Instrument - Rhythm Guitar / vocals Home Town - Blounts Creek, N.C. Wife - Annie Sons - Levie and David Preston was born and raised in Blounts Creek, North Carolina. He was raised in church and when he was a small child his mother bought him a toy guitar. She told him to learn to play, so when he was older he could play in church. Her dream came true when he was in his thirties. In a little country church a new pastor came who was originally from the mountains of Kentucky. He was instrumental in teaching Preston how to play rhythm. During that time Preston began to play and sing in church. He continues to do so some twenty years later. He attends Hodges Chapel P. H. Church located in Chocowinity. He is very active in helping with the music at his church. The Lord has given him a special talent to write songs as well. He has been blessed to write six of the groups original songs. He joined Unshackled in 2002 as one of it's original members. "Though playing and singing requires much time and practice it is worth every minute. It is such a blessing to know that you have been a part of sharing the good news of our Lord and Savior to the world." Annie Norman: Manager Home Town - Blounts Creek, N.C. Husband - Preston Sons - Levie and David Annie handles all the business activities of the group. She is a member of Hodges Chapel P. H. Church in Chocowinity where she serves as a consoler . She is a very dedicated lady to her church and Unshackled. The group would not be able to do the things they do without her. She also makes one of the best banana puddings you'll ever put in your mouth. THANKS!!!, Annie we really appreciate you and all you do for Unshackled. Unshackled |
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Unshackled Plays and Endorses : C.F. Martin Guitars Gibson Mandolins Engelhardt Basses and Walker Banjos |
