Legendary American gospel singer, worship leader, and songwriter Ron Kenoly has passed away at the age of 81 on February 3, 2026, music industry sources and his longtime associates have confirmed. The news was publicly shared via social media by his close collaborator and music director, Bruno Miranda.
Kenoly’s death has sparked a wave of tributes from Christian artists, pastors, and fans around the world, honoring his decades-long contribution to gospel music and worship culture.
📌 Early Life and Rise to Prominence
Ron Kenoly was born on December 6, 1944, in Coffeyville, Kansas, and developed an early passion for music that eventually shaped his lifelong ministry in worship and praise. After serving in the United States Air Force, he pursued music full-time, first performing secular R&B before committing entirely to gospel and worship leadership.
Kenoly became a defining voice in contemporary worship music, especially in the 1990s and 2000s. His breakthrough album “Lift Him Up” became one of the fastest-selling worship albums of its time, and his powerful live recordings helped shape modern praise music around the globe.
🎶 A Legacy of Worship Classics
Over his career, Kenoly released numerous influential songs and albums that remain staples in Christian worship services worldwide. Some of his most beloved songs include:
Ancient of Days
Jesus Is Alive
All Honour
God Is Able
Sing Out With One Voice
These songs are recognized not just for their musical quality but also for their heartfelt lyrical depth and ability to draw listeners into meaningful worship.
🕊️ Tributes from Across the World
The response to Kenoly’s passing has highlighted his global influence. Prominent ministers and gospel artists, including Nathaniel Bassey, Frank Edwards, and Bishop Wale Oke, have taken to social media to honor his life and ministry.
Nathaniel Bassey, in particular, described Kenoly as a “generational inspiration” whose music helped shape the worship journeys of countless believers.
📖 More Than a Musician — A Worship Leader
Kenoly was widely respected not only for his vocal talent but for his theology of worship. He consistently emphasized that a worship leader’s role was not to entertain, but to guide people into a sincere encounter with God — a philosophy that undergirded his teaching and ministry.
His impact went beyond performance; he mentored worship teams, spoke at international conferences, and helped communities deepen their understanding of worship as both art and devotion.
💐 Remembering a Worship Pioneer
Ron Kenoly’s influence on contemporary Christian music and worship culture spans generations and continents. His songs have been sung in countless churches, worship gatherings, and personal devotion times around the world.
Though details about the cause of his death have not been publicly released, his legacy remains vibrant in the hearts of believers and music lovers alike.
Kenoly is survived by his family, friends, and a global community of worshippers who will continue to celebrate his life through the songs he shared.
