Renowned American gospel singer, worship leader, and songwriter Ron Kenoly has passed away at the age of 81, leaving behind a powerful legacy in contemporary Christian and praise music that impacted worship services across the globe. He died on February 3, 2026, as confirmed by his longtime music director in a statement shared on his official social media platforms.
A Life Dedicated to Worship
Born December 6, 1944, in Coffeyville, Kansas, Ron Kenoly began his music journey in an entirely different context before discovering his calling in worship ministry. After serving in the United States Air Force and performing in R&B and secular music in his early years, Kenoly shifted focus in the 1980s to Christian worship. He started leading praise at Jubilee Christian Center in San Jose, California, which marked the beginning of his rise to international recognition.
Kenoly held degrees in music and theology, including a Music degree, a Master of Divinity, and a Doctorate of Ministry in Sacred Music, equipping him academically as well as spiritually for his calling.
Trailblazer in Gospel and Worship Music
Kenoly became a global voice in praise and worship through his energetic, choir-backed live recordings that combined gospel fervor with contemporary Christian music. His breakthrough came in 1992 with the album Lift Him Up, which became one of the fastest-selling worship albums of its time and helped redefine modern worship music.
Across his career, Kenoly released more than 20 albums, among them:
- Jesus Is Alive
- Lift Him Up
- God Is Able
- Sing Out with One Voice
- Welcome Home (which won the GMA Dove Award for Praise & Worship Album of the Year in 1997)
- High Places and Majesty
His songs, such as “Ancient of Days,” “Jesus Is Alive,” and “We’re Going Up,” became staples in church worship services around the world.
Philosophy and Ministry Impact
More than just a singer, Kenoly was widely recognized as a worship leader and teacher. In tributes following his death, his music director, Bruno Miranda, described him as a mentor and spiritual father who taught that worship leadership was not about performance, but about leading people into genuine encounters with God.
Church leaders and gospel artists around the world mourned his passing. Nigerian worship leader Nathaniel Bassey thanked Kenoly for inspiring generations of psalmists, while other artists like Dunsin Oyekan honored him as a “General” whose ministry shaped their paths in worship.
Personal Life and Legacy
Kenoly’s personal life reflected his devotion to faith and family. He was married to his first wife, Tavita, whom he met during his Air Force days, and together they raised three sons—Samuel, Ronald Jr., and Tony. Later in life, he married Diana, a United Nations Ambassador, who survived him along with his children and grandchildren.
Bishop Wale Oke, president of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), described Kenoly as a “true worshipper” whose life ministered not only through music but through humble service to God and the church.
A Global Influence
Ron Kenoly’s influence extended far beyond the United States. Churches across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas adopted his worship style, and his songs became part of congregational worship in diverse settings. His ministry shaped the sound of praise and worship music for decades, and his recordings continue to inspire new generations of worship leaders and believers.
Though Kenoly has passed on, his music and message of authentic praise continue to echo in worship gatherings worldwide, ensuring that his legacy as a pioneer of contemporary Christian worship will endure.
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