By Selestine johnson
Society Editor
Renowned gospel singer and worship leader Ron Kenoly has died at the age of 81, marking the end of an era in contemporary Christian music.
The news of his passing was confirmed on Tuesday via a statement shared on his official Instagram page by Bruno Miranda, Kenoly’s longtime music director and close associate of more than 20 years. According to the announcement, the veteran worship minister died on Wednesday. No cause of death was disclosed.
In an emotional tribute, Miranda described Kenoly as more than a musical collaborator, calling him a mentor and spiritual father whose life was defined by humility, discipline, and a profound understanding of worship.
“Today, February 3, 2026, we said goodbye to Dr Ron Kenoly,” Miranda wrote, noting that their bond extended far beyond music into years of spiritual mentorship and personal guidance.
He recalled that Kenoly was deliberate about distancing himself from the title of entertainer, repeatedly emphasizing that his calling was to lead people into worship, not to perform for applause. According to him, Kenoly consistently taught that true worship must be anchored in gratitude for Christ’s sacrifice, not in the pursuit of personal rewards or recognition.
These principles, Miranda added, were not limited to the stage but were evident in Kenoly’s private life, describing him as a man whose character mirrored the reverence and sincerity of his public ministry.
“While we mourn his passing, we do so with hope,” he said. “The worship he lived by is now the worship he has entered into.”
Born on December 6, 1944, in Coffeyville, Kansas, Kenoly moved to Hollywood, California, after high school. He later joined the United States Air Force, serving from 1965 to 1968. During his military years, he performed with a band known as the Mellow Fellows, touring several military bases.
After completing his service, he returned to Los Angeles and devoted himself fully to music ministry, eventually rising to become one of the most influential voices in modern worship music.
A defining moment in his career came in 1992 with the release of Lift Him Up, which went on to become the fastest-selling worship album of its time, cementing his global influence.
Kenoly’s rich discography includes celebrated albums such as Jesus Is Alive (1991), Ancient of Days (1992), God Is Able (1994), Sing Out With One Voice (1995), Welcome Home (1996), and High Places: The Best of Ron Kenoly.
His music and ministry shaped worship practices across continents, leaving behind a legacy that continues to echo in churches around the world.
