Gospel Icon Ron Kenoly Dies at 81, Tributes Pour In from Global Christian Community

If you grew up in church in the ’90s or early 2000s, there’s a good chance Ron Kenoly’s music was part of the soundtrack of your faith. Long before playlists and streaming, his songs filled churches, conferences, cars and living rooms - carried by choirs, sang by congregations, and sung across cultures. For many, his voice and lyrics didn’t just mark moments in worship; they shaped how worship itself was understood.

That shared history is why the news of his passing has resonated so deeply across the global church. Ron Kenoly, the legendary American worship leader and gospel musician, has died at the age of 81. His death was confirmed on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, by his longtime music director, Bruno Miranda, who shared the announcement on Kenoly’s official Instagram page, describing him as a mentor, spiritual father, and devoted worship leader.

Miranda’s statement emphasized that Kenoly saw his calling not as an entertainer but as someone who led believers into genuine worship. “A worship leader’s calling is not to perform songs, but to lead people into worship in the presence of a King — the King of Kings, Jesus Christ,” Miranda wrote, adding that the worship Kenoly lived is now the worship he beholds.

A Legacy That Crossed Generations

Born on December 6, 1944, in Coffeyville, Kansas, Kenoly rose to international recognition as a pioneer in contemporary praise and worship music. His breakthrough came in 1992 with Lift Him Up, which became one of the fastest-selling worship albums of its time, and he continued to influence the global church through songs like “Jesus Is Alive,” “Majesty,” “Anointing,” and “Sing Out.” 

Kenoly’s ministry spanned more than four decades and impacted worship leaders and church communities worldwide. A trained theologian and ordained worship leader, he served in ministry roles including leadership at Jubilee Christian Center and extensive mentoring of pastors and musicians.

Global Tributes and Reactions

News of Kenoly’s passing has prompted widespread tributes across the gospel music world. Worship leaders shared heartfelt messages on social media, acknowledging his influence on their own ministries and the broader Christian community.

Bishop Wale Oke, President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), described Kenoly as “a true worshipper” whose life and ministry were marked by humility and spiritual depth. He extended condolences to Kenoly’s family, praying for strength and comfort.

Kenoly is survived by his family, including his wife and children. No official cause of death has yet been released.

Remembering a Worship Pioneer

Ron Kenoly’s influence on modern praise and worship cannot be overstated. His music became a staple in churches across Africa, the Americas, Europe, and Asia, helping shape the sound and style of contemporary Christian worship for generations. His legacy continues through the songs that have become part of global worship traditions.