RENOWNED GOSPEL ARTIST AND PASTOR RON KENOLY DIES AT 81
Read Time:1 Minute, 44 Second
By Aishat Momoh. O.
Renowned American gospel singer, worship leader, and pastor Ron Kenoly has died at the age of 81. His death was confirmed on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, sparking tributes from Christian music communities and worship leaders worldwide.
Kenoly was celebrated globally for his powerful live worship recordings and his pivotal role in shaping contemporary praise and worship music. His ministry reached churches across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas, with his songs becoming staples in modern worship services.
Born on December 6, 1944, in Coffeyville, Kansas, Kenoly rose to international prominence in the late 20th century, gaining widespread acclaim with his 1992 album Lift Him Up With Ron Kenoly. Songs such as Ancient of Days, Jesus Is Alive, and We’re Going Up went on to become enduring worship classics sung in churches around the world.
Over his career, Kenoly released more than 20 albums, including God Is Able, Sing Out With One Voice, and Welcome Home. Known for his energetic, choir-backed performances and congregational worship style, he broke new ground by blending gospel, praise, and contemporary Christian music, influencing generations of worship leaders.
Beyond music, Kenoly served as a respected pastor and worship leader at Jubilee Christian Center in San Jose, California, and was a prominent figure at international worship conferences, mentoring worship teams and leading large-scale praise gatherings.
Following news of his passing, tributes have poured in from gospel artists, pastors, and fans worldwide. Nigerian gospel minister Nathaniel Bassey and other worship leaders acknowledged his profound influence on multiple generations of psalmists.
The cause of death has not been disclosed. Plans for memorial services and celebrations of his life are expected to be announced in the coming days.
Ron Kenoly leaves behind a lasting legacy as a pioneer of contemporary worship music and a devoted servant of the Christian faith, remembered for lifting countless voices in praise across the globe.
If you like, I can also draft a shorter, social-media-friendly tribute version highlighting his legacy for platforms like X or Instagram. Do you want me to do that?
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