The Christian community around the world is mourning the loss of Dr. Ron Kenoly, the pioneering gospel artist and worship leader whose music helped shape modern praise and worship for more than four decades. Kenoly passed away on February 3, 2026, at the age of 81, according to confirmation from his longtime music director Bruno Miranda, who shared the news in a heartfelt Instagram post.
No cause of death has been disclosed at this time.
The announcement sparked an outpouring of tributes from pastors, fellow artists, and fans across continents, many posting clips of Kenoly’s powerful live worship moments and sharing testimonies of how his music became the soundtrack to their faith journeys.
A Pioneer of Contemporary Praise and Worship
Often referred to as the “Professor of Praise,” Ron Kenoly was known not simply for musical excellence, but for his unwavering focus on creating an atmosphere that invited the manifest presence of God. His worship philosophy emphasized participation over performance, encouraging congregations to actively engage in joyful, Spirit-led praise.
Kenoly released more than 20 albums, many through Integrity Music’s Hosanna! Music label, helping establish the global praise and worship movement of the 1990s and early 2000s.
Among his most beloved songs are:
- Ancient of Days
- Jesus Is Alive
- Lift Him Up
- God Is Able
- Ain’t Gonna Let No Rock
- Give to the Lord
- Praise the Lord All Nations
- No Eye Has Seen
These anthems continue to be sung in churches worldwide, crossing cultures, languages, and generations.
Awards, Education, and Ministry Leadership
In 1997, Kenoly received a GMA Dove Award for Praise and Worship Album of the Year for his album Welcome Home. He also held a Doctorate of Ministry in Sacred Music, reflecting his deep commitment to both theology and musical excellence.
For many years, Kenoly served as music pastor at Jubilee Christian Center in San Jose, California, where his weekly worship leadership drew thousands and helped train the next generation of worship leaders.
Early Life and Journey to Gospel Music
Born December 6, 1944, in Coffeyville, Kansas, Ron Kenoly showed an early passion for music. After high school, he moved to California to pursue a career in entertainment.
From 1965 to 1968, Kenoly served in the U.S. Air Force, touring military bases as part of a Top 40 cover band. His spiritual calling eventually led him to gospel and worship music in the 1980s, where he would go on to leave an indelible mark.
A Global Legacy
Kenoly traveled to more than 100 countries, championing multicultural worship and mentoring countless worship leaders and musicians. His influence is especially strong across Africa, the Caribbean, and West Africa, where his songs remain foundational in church worship services.
Artists and worship leaders frequently cite Kenoly alongside figures such as Don Moen, Alvin Slaughter, John P. Kee, CeCe Winans, Darlene Zschech, and Marvin Sapp as architects of modern praise and worship.
Tributes Pour In
Social media has been flooded with messages honoring Kenoly’s life and impact:
“Rest in glory, Ron Kenoly 🕊️
A true giant of praise and worship. Your songs lifted generations, united the Church, and pointed countless hearts to Jesus.”
“Heaven gained a worshipper.”
Remembering a Life of Worship
Dr. Ron Kenoly is survived by his family. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
His voice, leadership, and anthems transformed praise and worship around the world, leaving behind a spiritual legacy that will continue to echo in churches and hearts for generations to come.
Rest in power, Dr. Ron Kenoly. Your worship lives on.
