Legendary American gospel singer, songwriter and worship leader Ron Kenoly has passed away at the age of 81.
His death occurred on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, and was announced by his long-time music director, Bruno Miranda, in a statement shared on Kenoly’s official Instagram page.
Announcing the news, Miranda wrote that the gospel community had “said goodbye” to a man whose life was defined by devotion to worship and service to God.
Just days before his death, Kenoly reflected publicly on his journey in ministry. In what would become his final Instagram post on February 1, he expressed gratitude for the people who supported his calling, noting that his work over the past two decades had reached more than 123 nations.
Tributes have since poured in from church leaders, musicians and worshippers across continents, celebrating a life many describe as purposeful and deeply rooted in faith.
In an emotional tribute, Bruno Miranda recounted his more than 20 years of working closely with Kenoly, describing him not only as a mentor but as a spiritual father. He emphasised that Kenoly was intentional about his calling and rejected the idea of worship as performance.
According to Miranda, Kenoly consistently taught that the role of a worship leader was to guide people into genuine worship, rather than to entertain an audience.
Nigerian Bishop Wale Oke also paid tribute, describing Kenoly as a humble servant whose life and music were marked by grace and spiritual depth. He noted that while Kenoly’s passing was painful, his influence would continue through the songs and teachings he left behind.
Other prominent gospel ministers, including Nathaniel Bassey, have also shared messages honouring Kenoly’s life and ministry.
Ron Kenoly rose to global prominence through worship classics such as Jesus Is Alive, Sing Out and My God Is Able. His 1992 album Lift Him Up, released under the Integrity Hosanna Music label, became one of the most successful live worship albums of its time, earning Gold certification after surpassing 500,000 copies in sales.
Born in Coffeyville, Kansas, Kenoly’s musical journey began in a local Baptist church. After high school, he joined the military and later explored different music styles, including secular genres, before fully dedicating his life to worship ministry in 1985.
Until his passing, Kenoly remained actively engaged in ministry. He served on the faculty of two universities in the United States, travelled extensively to minister internationally, and led a mentoring initiative that trained pastors, musicians, worship leaders and choir directors involved in church and parachurch music ministries.
Ron Kenoly is remembered as a worship leader whose influence extended far beyond the stage, leaving behind a lasting imprint on global Christian worship.
