Gospel legend Ron Kenoly dies at 81

Ron Kenoly, the American Christian worship leader, singer,and songwriter, has passed away at the age of 81.Bruno Miranda, Kenoly’s music director, broke the news in astatement released via the singer’s Instagram page. The statement revealed that the worship leader died onFebruary 3, but did not specify the cause of death. Miranda, who worked alongside Kenoly for more than twodecades, described him not only as a mentor but as a spiritual father. Heemphasised that Kenoly was deeply intentional about his vocation. “This morning, Feb. 3, 2026, we said goodbye to Dr. RonKenoly,” it reads. “For over 20 years, I had the honor of walking alongside himin ministry around the world, not just as his music director, but as a son, astudent, and a witness to a life marked by faithfulness. “Doc was very intentional about one thing: he was never anartist, never an entertainer. He was a worship leader. And he took all the timenecessary to explain what that truly meant.” The statement elaborated on Kenoly’s philosophy of worship,noting that he saw his role as guiding people into genuine reverence. “A worship leader’s calling is not to perform songs, but tolead people into true worship in the presence of a King; the King of Kings,Jesus Christ,” it added. “He taught me that a worship leader is not merely a songleader, but a servant who connects with people whose hearts are open toworship, guiding them to “enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courtswith praise” (Psalm 100:4, ESV). Worship, he would say, is always rooted ingratitude for what Christ has done for us, and never in anticipation of what wewant Him to do. “Off the stage, Doc carried the same integrity, humility,and reverence for God that the world saw under the lights. He taught me thatworship begins long before the first note is played, shaped by obedience,character, and a deep fear of the Lord. “Today we grieve deeply but not without hope. The worship helived is now the worship he beholds. “Until we meet again, my pastor, my mentor, my friend.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bruno Miranda (@bruno.miranda.music)Kenoly was born and raised in Coffeyville, Kansas onDecember 6, 1944. After high school, he moved to Hollywood, California, andlater served in the United States air force from 1965 to 1968. During his service, he performed with a cover band, theMellow Fellows, which toured military bases. Following his discharge, he returned to Los Angeles topursue a full-time music ministry, eventually becoming one of the mostinfluential worship leaders in contemporary Christian music. His musical career breakthrough came in 1992 when ‘Lift HimUp’ became the fastest-selling worship album. His discography includes ‘Jesus Is Alive’ (1991), ‘Ancientof Days’ (1992), ‘God Is Able’ (1994), ‘Sing Out With One Voice’ (1995),‘Welcome Home’ (1996) and ‘High Places: The Best of Ron Kenoly’ among others.

Read More