Renowned American worship leader, singer, and songwriter Ron Kenoly has passed away at the age of 81.
The news was shared by Kenoly’s long-time music director, Bruno Miranda, via the late singer’s official Instagram page. Miranda confirmed that Kenoly died on February 3, 2026, though the cause of death was not disclosed.
“This morning, Feb. 3, 2026, we said goodbye to Dr. Ron Kenoly,” Miranda wrote.
“For over 20 years, I had the honor of walking alongside him in ministry around the world, not just as his music director, but as a son, a student, and a witness to a life marked by faithfulness.
“Doc was very intentional about one thing: he was never an artist, never an entertainer. He was a worship leader. And he took all the time necessary to explain what that truly meant.”
Miranda also reflected on Kenoly’s approach to worship, describing him as someone who guided people into authentic reverence rather than mere performance.
“A worship leader’s calling is not to perform songs, but to lead people into true worship in the presence of a King; the King of Kings, Jesus Christ,” he wrote.
“He taught me that a worship leader is not merely a song leader, but a servant who connects with people whose hearts are open to worship, guiding them to ‘enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise’ (Psalm 100:4, ESV). Worship, he would say, is always rooted in gratitude for what Christ has done for us, and never in anticipation of what we want Him to do.
“Off the stage, Doc carried the same integrity, humility, and reverence for God that the world saw under the lights. He taught me that worship begins long before the first note is played, shaped by obedience, character, and a deep fear of the Lord.
“Today we grieve deeply but not without hope. The worship he lived is now the worship he beholds.
“Until we meet again, my pastor, my mentor, my friend.”
Born on December 6, 1944, in Coffeyville, Kansas, Kenoly moved to Hollywood, California, after high school and later served in the United States Air Force from 1965 to 1968. During his service, he performed with a cover band, the Mellow Fellows, touring military bases.
After his discharge, Kenoly returned to Los Angeles to pursue full-time music ministry, eventually rising to become one of the most influential figures in contemporary worship music. His breakthrough came in 1992 when Lift Him Up became the fastest-selling worship album of its time.
READ ALSO:
- Sanwo-Olu Hosts American Streamer Kai Cenat
- NAFDAC Denounces Fake Recruitment Alert
- Tonto Dikeh Reunites Son With Ex-Husband Churchill After Years Of Separation (Video)
- US Sends Forces to Nigeria in Wake of December Anti-Terror Strikes
- Bolanle Ninalowo Named Atlanta Coordinator for Tinubu Youth Movement
His discography includes notable works 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.
Kenoly frequently visited Nigeria, including a 2016 trip to Jos, Plateau State, for a music and miracle program, where he was given the Nigerian name “Chukuemeka.”
He was married for 42 years to his first wife, Tavita, whom he met during his Air Force service, and together they had three sons: Samuel, Ronald, and Tony.
Ron Kenoly leaves behind a legacy as a pioneer of modern worship music, influencing generations of worshippers and worship leaders worldwide.