The global Christian community continues to pay tribute to Dr Ron Kenoly, the celebrated American worship leader, singer and songwriter, whose death at the age of 81 has left a deep void in gospel music circles around the world.
Kenoly passed away on the morning of February 3, 2026. The news was confirmed by his long-time music director, Bruno Miranda, in a heartfelt message shared on the worship leader’s verified Instagram page.
“This morning, Feb. 3, 2026, we said goodbye to Dr Ron Kenoly,” Miranda wrote, reflecting on more than two decades of close ministry with the gospel icon.
“For over 20 years, I had the honour 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 clear about one thing: he was never an artist, never an entertainer. He was a worship leader.”
Miranda recalled how Kenoly repeatedly taught that the role of a worship leader was not to perform, but to guide people into genuine worship before God.
“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 wrote.
He added that Kenoly believed worship should always be rooted in gratitude for what Christ has already done, rather than in expectations of what worshippers hoped to receive.
Those who encountered Kenoly on and off the stage often spoke of the same qualities Miranda described - humility, discipline, deep reverence for God and an unwavering commitment to the spiritual essence of worship.
Although the cause of death has not been made public, news of his passing resonated strongly in Nigeria, where he enjoyed a loyal following and frequently ministered at major gospel events, including the annual Experience concert in Lagos.
Born in 1944, Kenoly rose to global prominence in the early 1990s through his work with Integrity Music. Albums such as Jesus Is Alive and Lift Him Up helped define a new era of contemporary praise and worship.
His songs, including Ancient of Days, Be Glorified and Sing Out, became fixtures in church services across continents, transcending denominations and cultures.
Kenoly’s energetic style of praise, combined with rich, scripture-based lyrics, played a key role in shaping what is now widely known as the modern praise and worship movement.
Beyond his recordings and concerts, he was regarded as a mentor and teacher to countless worship leaders, emphasising character, devotion and theological grounding as essential parts of music ministry.
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