🎵 Renowned Gospel Singer Ron Kenoly Dies at 81
American gospel music icon Ron Kenoly has died at the age of 81, leaving behind a profound legacy in worship music that spanned decades and touched millions of believers around the world. His passing was confirmed on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.
Kenoly’s longtime music director, Bruno Miranda, broke the news on the singer’s official Instagram page, announcing that the beloved worship leader had passed away, though no official cause of death has been disclosed at this time.
📌 Life and Musical Legacy
Born December 6, 1944, in Coffeyville, Kansas, Kenoly became one of the most influential figures in contemporary Christian worship music. His career in gospel music took off after his service in the United States Air Force and his early involvement in a band called The Mellow Fellows.
Kenoly’s breakthrough came with the album Lift Him Up in 1992, which quickly became one of the fastest-selling worship albums of its time and helped redefine modern praise music for churches around the globe.
Over his long career, he released numerous influential albums, including:
Jesus Is Alive
God Is Able
Sing Out With One Voice
Welcome Home
High Places: The Best of Ron Kenoly
Majesty
2026/2027 Mabumbe
His songs — such as “Majesty,” “Righteousness, Peace & Joy,” “Anointing,” and “All Honour” — became staples in worship services worldwide, sung across continents and languages.
🕊️ Tributes from Around the World
Kenoly’s death prompted an immediate outpouring of tributes from fellow musicians, pastors, and worship leaders. Nigerian gospel minister Nathaniel Bassey posted on social media: “Dr Ron Kenoly crosses to yonder side. Thank you for inspiring generations of psalmists like me.
Others, including gospel artists Dunsin Oyekan, Ada Ehi, and Moses Bliss, shared heartfelt messages honoring Kenoly’s influence on their own musical journeys and praising his enduring impact on Christian worship globally
In Nigeria, Bishop Wale Oke, President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), also mourned Kenoly as a “true worshipper” whose life and ministry brought many into closer communion with God.
📖 A Lasting Influence
Beyond his recordings, Kenoly was known as a devoted pastor and worship leader, mentoring worship teams and leading praise gatherings worldwide for over 40 years. His approach emphasized deep, heartfelt worship over performance, and he is often credited with shaping the sound and spirit of modern praise music across generations.
Kenoly is survived by his family and by the countless voices that will continue to sing his songs in churches, recordings, and worship events for years to come.
