Grammy-Winning Producer Larrance “Rance” Dopson To Headline 2025 GLORY AWARDS At WePlay Studios In Inglewood
(L-R) Larrance “Rance” Dopson and Max Bilonogov.
Honored for Lighting the Way in Music, Mentorship, and Preserving the Legacy of Black Sound
By Gloria Zuurveen, Editor-in-Chief
INGLEWOOD, CA — The Parent Action Coalition for Education (PACE) Board of Directors proudly announces Larrance “Rance” Dopson, Grammy-winning producer, musical director, and founder of 1500 or Nothin’ Academy, as the headlining honoree of the 2025 GLORY AWARDS, taking place on Saturday, September 28, 2025, at the dynamic WePlay Studios in Inglewood. Dopson is being recognized for letting his light shine through service, not just in the studio but in the streets—empowering young creatives, investing in the next generation, and preserving the musical roots that have shaped the world.
This year’s GLORY AWARDS theme—“Letting Your Light Shine: The Rhythm & Blues Legacy”—spotlights the enduring roots of Black music, particularly gospel and blues, which gave rise to rhythm and blues, soul, and hip hop, and profoundly influenced the development of rock ‘n’ roll, pop, and even country music. Artists as legendary as The Beatles, Elvis Presley, The Rolling Stones, and countless others were deeply shaped by the spiritual, rhythmic, and emotional power of Black American music. Today, nearly every major recording artist in the United States—regardless of race—can trace the soul of their sound back to the genius of African American musical traditions.
Larrance “Rance” Dopson attends the grand opening of We Play Studios in Inglewood with Mayor James T. Butts, Jr., Yura Lazebnikov, Managing Partner, Co-founder, WePlay Studios, Max Bilonogov, Chief Visionary Officer, General Producer at WePlay Studios along with a host of elected officials including 4th District Inglewood City Councilwoman Dionne Faulk, Inglewood City Clerk, Aisha L. Thompson and Inglewood City Treasurer, Angela Allen, State Senator Laura Richardson and State Assemblywoman Tina McKinnor.
Max Bilonogov, Larrance Dopson and Nick Cannon at WePlay Studios.
Larrance Dopson stands at the forefront of that legacy. As one of the most influential modern-day composers, he continues the lineage of Black musical excellence with purpose and power. As the founder of 1500 Sound Academy, Dopson’s light doesn’t just shine—it illuminates the path for the next generation of music innovators. His work deeply aligns with the mission of PACE—educate to elevate. At 1500 Sound Academy, Dopson is redefining music education by offering non-traditional yet highly effective pathways that empower emerging creatives. The Academy cultivates raw talent through an innovative curriculum, elite industry guest speakers, and strategic partnerships, creating a dynamic space where passion meets profession. By teaching both the business and artistry of music in a way that honors the rich legacy of gospel and blues, Dopson is building a pipeline of excellence that will impact generations to come.
Larrance Dopson is presented a plaque from Inglewood City Clerk Aisha L. Thompson and Sharis Rhodes for his community service work at WePlay Studios. Photo by Gloria Zuurveen
Dopson’s award-winning music career includes collaborations with some of the most influential names in the industry, such as Bruno Mars, Snoop Dogg, Jay-Z, Kendrick Lamar, Nipsey Hussle, Ty Dolla $ign, Usher, and Ella Mai. As a producer and musical director, Dopson has earned both Grammy and Emmy awards—but his greatest achievement may be the creation of 1500 Sound Academy, a certified post-secondary institution rooted in Inglewood, CA. 1500 Sound Academy is more than a music school—it’s a movement. A space where creativity meets accountability and talent is refined through mentorship. As a State of California certified post-secondary institution, the Academy is a legitimate launchpad for young people with a dream and the drive to turn it into a career.
Through the Academy, Dopson and his team are providing aspiring music professionals with access to world-class training in music production, composition, engineering, songwriting, DJing, branding, and performance—all while instilling the core values of discipline, purpose, and legacy.
But as we know, the fruit doesn’t fall far from the tree.
Larrance Dopson, Aisha L. Thompson and Ashley Toves in Inglewood at Hollywood Park. Photo by Gloria Zuurveen/PACE NEWS
Dopson’s earliest memories are grounded in family and music. As a child, he would sit at the piano with his two sisters and mother, singing in harmony while his father played. “My biggest inspiration for doing music is my family,” Dopson shared in an interview with Black Enterprise. “My parents grew up in Chicago where my father was a part of the musical group, The Wagers. He and my mother moved to Los Angeles before I was born so that he could continue his dream.” That dream was passed down and nurtured through generations.
Larrance was blessed with a natural ability to play instruments, and he honed those gifts in a household where music was a way of life. His family didn’t just listen to music—they lived it. And they continue to do so today: his father, Lawrence Dopson and sister, Alexandria Dopson all work with him at 1500 Sound Academy, reinforcing the values of faith, excellence, and unity.
Their shared spiritual home was First African Methodist Episcopal (FAME) Church on Adams, one of Los Angeles’ most storied Black churches. After the 1992 civil unrest, FAME became a creative sanctuary where young people were encouraged to let their gifts flow freely. It was at FAME under the leadership of the Rev. Cecil “Chip” Murray where Larrance was nurtured in the gospel tradition, participating in the choir and band, and learning not only the technical craft but the soul of music. His personal motto, “God first,” is more than a phrase—it’s the foundation of his leadership. It reflects how his family, faith, and purpose continue to shape his path.
Larrance Dopson’s story is not just one of success in the music industry—it is a powerful testament to heritage, education, and legacy. Through 1500 Sound Academy, he is uplifting a new generation of creatives and preserving the soul of Black music that has shaped the world.
A Night to Remember in the Heart of Inglewood
This unforgettable night will be held at WePlay Studios, a state-of-the-art creative space that reflects the energy and innovation of Inglewood—a city now recognized as the sports and entertainment capital of the world. The evening will feature a red carpet, live performances, networking, and opportunities to directly support the scholarship fund for students at 1500 Sound Academy, many of whom are first-generation college students and emerging creators from underserved communities.
Tickets & Sponsorship Opportunities
VIP Admission: $50
General Admission: $30
Sponsorship Packages Available
Tickets and contribution options available at:
www.parentactioncoalitionforeducation.org
About Parent Action Coalition for Education (PACE): Since 2000, PACE has trained, supported, and empowered families and youth with tools for academic and life success. Through education, advocacy, and partnerships with local mentors, PACE continues to build pathways to self-sufficiency for the next generation.
Honor the Legacy. Fuel the Future. Celebrate Larrance.
Join us on September 28th to honor a hometown hero and musical visionary. Let’s come together to uplift the sound that changed the world—and the man who’s ensuring it keeps playing for generations to come.
Well deserved and long overdue