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Renowned American gospel music icon Ron Kenoly, a pioneering Christian worship leader, singer, and songwriter, has died at the age of 81.
The news was confirmed by Bruno Miranda, Kenoly’s longtime music director, in a statement shared on the singer’s official Instagram page. According to the statement, Kenoly passed away on February 3, 2026. The cause of death was not disclosed.
“A Worship Leader, Not an Entertainer”
Miranda, who worked closely with Kenoly for more than two decades, described him as a mentor, spiritual father, and lifelong inspiration.
“This morning, Feb. 3, 2026, we said goodbye to Dr. Ron Kenoly,” the statement read.
“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 explained that Kenoly believed worship was not about performance, but about guiding people into genuine reverence for God.
“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 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.”
Quoting Psalm 100:4, Miranda noted that Kenoly emphasized gratitude as the foundation of worship.
“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.”
A Life of Faith On and Off the Stage
According to Miranda, Kenoly lived out the same values in private that he displayed publicly.
“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.”
He concluded with a message of hope:
“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.”
Early Life and Career
Born on December 6, 1944, in Coffeyville, Kansas, Ron Kenoly moved to Hollywood, California, after high school. He later served in the United States Air Force from 1965 to 1968, during which he performed with a cover band known as The Mellow Fellows, touring various military bases.
After completing his military service, Kenoly returned to Los Angeles and committed himself fully to music ministry — a decision that would shape modern Christian worship worldwide.
Musical Legacy
Kenoly rose to global prominence in 1992 with the release of his landmark album Lift Him Up, which became the fastest-selling worship album of its time.
Over the years, he became one of the most influential voices in contemporary Christian worship, known for powerful anthems that emphasized praise, gratitude, and congregational participation.
Discography Highlights
Kenoly’s extensive body of work includes:
- Lift Him Up (1992)
- Hosanna (1994)
- God Is Able
- Ancient of Days
- Here I Am
- Sing Out With One Voice
Ron Kenoly leaves behind a legacy that continues to shape worship ministries across churches and nations — a life devoted not to fame, but to faith.
