Ron Kenoly, influential gospel singer and worship leader known for shaping modern praise and worship music, died at the age of 81.
Ron Kenoly passed away on the morning of February 3, 2026. His death was announced the same day by longtime music director and associate Bruno Miranda via a post on Kenoly's official Instagram account.
No cause of death was disclosed in the announcement. Kenoly, an American gospel music icon, resided in Central Florida at the time of his death.
Ron Kenoly death has prompted tributes from the global Christian community, highlighting his decades-long contributions to contemporary worship music.
Who Was Ron Kenoly?
Ron Kenoly was born on December 6, 1944, in Coffeyville, Kansas. He developed an early interest in music and pursued a career in entertainment after high school, moving to California.
He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1965 to 1968, performing with a Top 40 cover band. After his service, he recorded secular R&B music under the stage name Ron Keith and achieved some commercial success as part of a duo.
Kenoly transitioned to gospel music in the 1980s. He released his first Christian album, You Ought to Listen to This, in 1983 after several years seeking opportunities in the genre.
In 1985, he joined Jubilee Christian Center in San Jose, California, as worship leader. He became music pastor in 1987 and was later named Ambassador of Music in 1993. He also consulted churches across the United States on developing worship ministries.
Kenoly earned a Doctorate in Ministry of Sacred Music in 1996. He moved to Central Florida in 1999 and continued traveling internationally as a teacher, speaker, singer, and recording artist until his death.
He was married first to Tavita Kenoly for 42 years, with whom he had three sons. In 2014, he married Diana, a United Nations Ambassador. He is survived by family members.
Career Breakthrough and Major Albums
Kenoly rose to international prominence in the early 1990s as a key figure in the contemporary praise and worship movement. His 1992 live album Lift Him Up became the fastest-selling worship album of its time, introducing large-scale congregational worship with Scripture-based lyrics to many churches.
Other notable albums include Jesus Is Alive (1991), God Is Able (1994), Sing Out with One Voice (1995), Welcome Home (1996), Majesty (1998), We Offer Praises (1999), and Dwell in the House (2001). Welcome Home topped Billboard's contemporary worship music chart and won a Gospel Music Association Dove Award for Praise and Worship Album in 1997.
He recorded with Integrity Music and produced albums emphasizing energetic, participatory worship.
Notable Songs and Influence on Praise Music
Ron Kenoly is best known for signature songs such as "Ancient of Days," "Anointing Fall On Me," and "Jesus Is Alive." These tracks became staples in churches worldwide, emphasizing exaltation of God and congregational participation.
His music helped define the modern praise and worship genre, shifting focus from performance to leading people into genuine worship. Kenoly often taught that worship must balance with the Word of God to avoid extremes, citing John 4:23-24 on worshiping in spirit and truth.
He authored books on worship and emphasized worship as service to the King of Kings rather than entertainment. His work influenced worship leaders and pastors across denominations, particularly in the 1990s and beyond.
Why Ron Kenoly's Legacy Matters
As a gospel music icon, Ron Kenoly shaped how millions experience worship. His albums and songs provided the soundtrack for revivals, church services, and personal devotion in many countries, including Nigeria and other parts of Africa where his music gained wide popularity.
The death of worship leader Ron Kenoly marks the end of an era for the praise and worship movement he helped pioneer. His emphasis on faithfulness, Scripture-driven lyrics, and global ministry left a lasting impact on contemporary Christian music.
Public reactions on social media reflect this reach, with users sharing memories of his songs inspiring faith during university years and childhood, and describing him as a "giant of joyful, Spirit-filled worship."
Tributes and Reactions
Bruno Miranda stated: “For over 20 years, I had the honor of walking alongside him in ministry around the world... He was never an artist, never an entertainer. He was a worship leader... Today we grieve deeply but not without hope. The worship he lived is now the worship he beholds.”
Pastor Tony Suarez called him “one of the greatest psalmists of our time,” recalling Kenoly leading powerful praise sessions post-pandemic.
Tributes have poured in from worship leaders, artists, and fans worldwide, acknowledging his role in lifting hearts toward God through music.
What Happens Next
Funeral arrangements and plans for memorial services or celebrations of life have not yet been announced by the family or representatives. Details are expected in the coming days.
The global Christian music community continues to honor Ron Kenoly's contributions as news of his passing spreads.
Ron Kenoly's discography, including classics like "Lift Him Up" and "Ancient of Days," remains widely available and continues to be used in worship settings. His teachings on worship theology are studied by aspiring worship leaders.
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