Renowned American Christian worship leader, singer, and songwriter Ron Kenoly has passed away at the age of 81.
The news of his death was confirmed on February 3, 2026, by his longtime music director, Bruno Miranda, in a statement shared on Kenoly’s official Instagram page.
The cause of death was not disclosed.Miranda, who worked closely with Kenoly for over two decades, described the late gospel icon as a mentor, spiritual father, and devoted servant of God who viewed worship not as performance but as sacred leadership.
“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.
”Miranda explained that Kenoly consistently taught that the role of a worship leader was to guide people into genuine reverence for God, not merely to sing songs.
A worship leader’s calling is not to perform songs, but to lead people into true worship in the presence of the King of Kings, Jesus Christ,” he said, citing Psalm 100:4 as a guiding scripture for Kenoly’s ministry.
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 between 1965 and 1968, during which he performed with a military cover band known as The Mellow Fellows.
After completing his military service, Kenoly returned to Los Angeles and committed fully to music ministry.
He rose to global prominence in 1992 following the release of Lift Him Up, which became one of the fastest-selling worship albums of its time.
Throughout his career, Kenoly became one of the most influential figures in contemporary Christian worship music, known for leading large congregational worship sessions across the world.
His notable albums include 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.
Tributes have continued to pour in from across the global Christian community, celebrating Kenoly’s enduring legacy as a worship pioneer whose life and music shaped modern praise worship.
“Today we grieve deeply, but not without hope,” Miranda concluded.
“The worship he lived is now the worship he beholds.”