About Us
| UNSHACKLED Traditional Bluegrass Gospel |
Preston Norman Wife - Annie guitar Hometown - Blounts Creek, N.C. 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 Hometown - Blounts Creek, N.C. Husband - Preston 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. Which all the guys get to enjoy form time to time, if they do a "Good Job." THANKS!!!, Annie we really appreciate you and all you do for Unshackled. Unshackled Mac, Phillip, Warren, Elton, Preston |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
Mac McRoy Wife - Tammy banjo Hometown - New Bren, N.C. Mac started playing music in 1999. Mac got his first guitar on a chilly December morning as a Christmas gift and from that moment on it has been "Katy Bar The Door". Mac's love for Bluegrass Music and the respect to keep it pure is unmatched by any in todays bluegrass music scene. Mac's stage presence will keep you in stitches and waiting for more. Mac plays banjo and sings tenor vocals for a strong harmony blend in the band. On occasion he also provides lead vocals on selected offerings and favorites. When Mac is not performing with Unshackled you will often find him fronting another great Bluegrass and Gospel group, The Mac and Tammy McRoy Band. Mac will be the first to tell you that his talent comes from the Lord above. "Thank GOD for Bluegrass Music and the blessing He gives me to be a part of this great tradition." If Bluegrass is "in it", Big Mac is "in it." |
Phillip Leggett Wife - Susan fiddle Hometown - Old Ford, N.C. Phillip comes from Williamston, NC. Music has been a big part of Phillip's life since early childhood. His father and uncles played string music in many locations throughout North Carolina. Phillip played and sang at a semi professional level with gospel groups during most of the 1970's and 1980's. He and his wife Susan sing together occasionally in church even today. Phillip has his own stump grinding business, hence the name "Stumper". If there's a stump in your way, call Phillip today. Leggett's Stump Grinding." Phillip's love for the Lord and his family has helped to make him a great person to work and perform with. Phillip is a talented baritone vocalist and provides a great fiddle presence for that old traditional sound the group loves to play. " I thank God for my family and the ability to carry on a tradition that my family started years ago." |
Warren Blackard Wife - Lorrie bass Hometown - Chocowinity, N.C. Warren was born in Mount Airy, North Carolina, raised in Dry Pond, Virginia . Growing up in this area left him with a deep appreciation for 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 1946 Kay upright, a 1973 Fender Precision and a 1990 Guild acoustic. "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." |
Elton Ipock Wife - Sue mandolin Hometown - Washington, N.C. 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. "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." |
