At the age of 81, renowned American pastor, worship leader, and gospel musician Ron Kenoly passed away. The confirmation of his death on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, sparked a global outpouring of tributes from worship leaders and Christian music societies.
Kenoly was praised all around the world for his stirring live worship records and his significant contribution to the development of modern praise and worship music. Churches in Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas heard his music and ministry, and his songs became a staple of contemporary worship services. His influence extended well beyond the United States.
Kenoly, who was born in Coffeyville, Kansas, on December 6, 1944, became well-known throughout the world in the latter half of the 20th century.
He gained widespread acclaim with the release of Lift Him Up With Ron Kenoly in 1992, an album that helped redefine praise music. 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.
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Over the course of his career, Kenoly released more than 20 albums, including God Is Able, Sing Out With One Voice and Welcome Home. His energetic, choir-backed performances and congregational worship style broke new ground, blending gospel, praise and contemporary Christian music in a way that influenced generations of worship leaders.
In addition to being a well-known musician, Kenoly was a revered pastor and worship leader at San Jose, California’s Jubilee Christian Center. He directed large-scale praise events and supervised worship teams at international worship conferences, seminars, and church gatherings.
Following the news of his passing, fans, pastors, and gospel musicians from all around the world have been sending in tributes. Many have talked about how their attitude to worship and their religion were influenced by Kenoly’s leadership. Nathaniel Bassey, a Nigerian gospel minister, and other prominent worship leaders recognised his significant impact on several generations of psalmists.
The cause of death has not been officially disclosed by his family or representatives. 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.
