Renowned American Christian worship leader, singer, and songwriter Dr. Ron Kenoly has died at the age of 81. The news was confirmed on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 by his longtime music director, Bruno Miranda, in a statement shared on Kenoly’s official Instagram page. The statement did not disclose a cause of death.
Miranda, who worked with Kenoly for over two decades, described him not only as a mentor but as a spiritual father. He highlighted Kenoly’s lifelong dedication to worship, emphasizing that Kenoly always saw himself not as a performer but as a servant called to lead people into genuine worship before God.
Ron Kenoly’s impact on gospel music and contemporary worship was profound and far-reaching:
• He was born on December 6, 1944, in Coffeyville, Kansas, U.S.
• After high school, he served in the United States Air Force (1965–1968), performing with a band that toured military bases before transitioning into full-time music ministry.
• His breakthrough came with the 1992 album Lift Him Up, which became the fastest-selling worship album of its time and propelled him onto the global stage.
• Another landmark release, Welcome Home (1996), topped Christian music charts and won the Gospel Music Association Dove Award for Praise and Worship Album.
Kenoly’s energetic style — blending powerful anthems with congregational worship — helped shape the sound of modern praise music worldwide. His songs such as “Majesty,” “Righteousness, Peace & Joy,” “Anointing,” “All Honour,” and “Sing Out” became staples in worship services across continents.
Kenoly was more than a recording artist:
• He earned a Master of Divinity and a Doctorate of Ministry in Sacred Music, integrating academic pursuit with spiritual leadership.
• For many years, he served as worship leader and music pastor at Jubilee Christian Center in San Jose, California, and later continued to mentor worship teams and leaders globally from Central Florida.
• His ministry emphasized authentic worship, personal devotion, and the idea that worship should draw people into a genuine encounter with God, not merely entertain.
Following the announcement of his death, heartfelt tributes poured in from fellow artists, church leaders, and worshippers who credited him with shaping their spiritual journeys:
• Nigerian gospel artist Nathaniel Bassey described Kenoly as a generational inspiration, noting that many contemporary worship leaders grew up on his music and were influenced by his ministry.
• Bishop Wale Oke, President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, mourned Kenoly as a “true worshipper,” highlighting his humility, spiritual depth, and the presence of God in his ministry.
Across social media and global Christian circles, believers expressed gratitude for Kenoly’s life, celebrating his legacy of lifting worship to the forefront of personal and corporate faith.
Ron Kenoly’s influence on contemporary Christian music cannot be overstated:
• His albums and live worship recordings helped define praise music throughout the 1990s and 2000s.
• Churches around the world incorporated his songs into services, revivals, and conferences, connecting generations through shared expressions of worship.
• His emphasis on worship as a lifestyle — grounded in gratitude, reverence, and spiritual authenticity — continues to inspire worship leaders across cultures.
As the global Christian community mourns his passing, fans and fellow ministers reflect on how his music transformed worship spaces and hearts alike, ensuring that his legacy will continue to resonate for years to come.
