By André Averion, Communications Chair

Published February 7, 2025.

Local Filipino-American Singer-songwriter Larry Gee was honored with the Album of the Year award at the 2nd Annual Dallas Entertainment Awards on Monday night, marking a career milestone amid his ongoing battle with kidney disease.  

Held at The Studio at The Factory in Deep Ellum, the awards ceremony celebrated Dallas’ top entertainers across more than 70 categories. Gee’s album, which he described as his “lifeline” during one of the most challenging years of his life, resonated deeply with fans and voters.  

“Honestly, I’m at a loss for words other than thank you,” Gee wrote in a heartfelt message following his win. “To everyone who voted for the album, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You have no idea how much this means to me.”  

Gee has been candid about his health struggles, revealing in late 2023 that he was in urgent need of a kidney transplant. After months of waiting and an outpouring of community support, he recently shared that he is scheduled to receive a transplant at UT Southwestern Medical Center University Hospital’s Kidney Transplant Clinic on June 2, 2025.  

“My family and I are deeply grateful and humbled by the outpouring of love and support we’ve received over the past few days,” Gee wrote in an update. “To be honest, it still hasn’t fully sunk in. I find myself looking at this letter every day as a reminder that it’s real—that it’s really happening.”  

Gee acknowledged the generosity of his anonymous donor, saying, “I don’t know you, but I cannot thank you enough for giving me this second chance at life. I promise to honor this gift by living responsibly, with love and generosity like yours. I will be forever grateful.”  

Gee has continued performing throughout his health challenges, proving his resilience and dedication to his craft. At Monday’s awards show, he took the stage with his band to perform “Got to Have It,” a moment that underscored both his talent and his unwavering spirit.  

The Dallas Entertainment Awards, founded by musician and event organizer Dezman Lehman, aims to recognize and uplift the local creative community. This year’s event featured performances from artists including Loren Kole, Porsha Jay, Devy Stonez, and Rosegarden Funeral Party.  

Gee took a moment to thank those who have stood by him in his health battle, including his family, friends, and the many supporters who have shared his story or applied to be potential donors.  

“To everyone else out there on the transplant waitlist: I stand with you and pray your day comes soon,” he wrote. “Keep sharing your story—it makes more of a difference than you realize.”  

As he looks ahead to his upcoming surgery and recovery, Gee remains optimistic about the future. “I feel like I’ve been given a new lease on life, and I’m just getting started again. Let’s keep this momentum going.”  

His journey serves as a powerful testament to the strength of community, the healing power of music, and the resilience of the human spirit.