Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Sad news has swept across the world of gospel music with the passing of legendary gospel musician Ron Kenoly.
The American worship leader, singer, and songwriter passed away on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at the age of 81.
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The sad news was first confirmed by his longtime music director, Bruno Miranda, in a statement shared on Kenoly's official Instagram account.
Miranda remembered Ron Kenoly not only as an artist, but as a true worship leader who dedicated his life to leading people to worship.
“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,” Miranda wrote. “He was never an artist, never an entertainer. He was a worship leader.”
In a statement on social media following news of Kenoly's passing, Pastor Tony Suarez described him as "one of the greatest psalm singers of our time," recalling a post-pandemic tent revival service where Kenoly led a 1990s-style worship night.
“He was a generational gift,” Suarez wrote. “The anointing would fall on us as he led us to sing out a joyful song and build a palace of praise to the Ancient of Days.”
While the exact cause of death was not initially disclosed to the public, in June 2024, his son, Samuel Kenoly, had shared news of his father's hospitalization for pneumonia.
Ron Kenoly's Life and Early Career
Ronald Kenneth Kenoly was born on December 6, 1944, in Coffeyville, Kansas, United States. From a young age, he showed a keen interest in music and later moved to Hollywood to pursue a career in the entertainment industry.
Before fully pursuing music, Kenoly served in the United States Air Force from 1965 to 1968.
During his service, he joined a band called The Mellow Fellows and toured military bases, performing Top 40 hits.
Kenoly is also an academic with several degrees.
He earned a music degree from Alameda College in California, a Master of Divinity degree from Faith Bible College in Missouri, and a Doctor of Ministry degree in sacred music from Friends International Christian University in California.
Dedication to Gospel and Praise Music
Ron Kenoly's musical career truly began after he completed his service in the Air Force.
Before dedicating himself to spiritual ministry, he recorded secular R&B music under the stage name Ron Keith and achieved commercial success as part of a duo with Candy Rae.
However, he later transitioned to gospel music and released his first Christian album, "You Ought to Listen to This," in 1983.
A turning point in his career came in 1992 when his album, "Lift Him Up," became the fastest-selling praise album of its time. The album even helped shape modern praise and worship music.
His other albums, such as "Welcome Home," produced by Tom Brooks, also received critical acclaim, becoming Billboard's top contemporary praise album and winning the Gospel Music Association Dove Award for "Praise and Worship Album" in 1997.
Ron Kenoly is widely known for his powerful baritone voice, energetic performances, joyful presence, and God-praising lyrics.
He is widely considered one of the most influential figures in contemporary praise and worship music during the 1990s and early 2000s.
His many albums released with Integrity Music became immensely popular in churches around the world.
Family and Personal Life
In his personal life, Ron Kenoly met and married his first wife, Tavita, while he was serving in the Air Force.
Their 42-year marriage resulted in three sons: Samuel, Ronald, and Tony.
Ron Kenoly is also related to renowned actor Don Cheadle, who is his cousin.
After his marriage to Tavita ended, Kenoly married Diana, a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador, on November 24, 2014.
News about his health briefly came to public attention when his son, Samuel Kenoly, shared a photo of Ron Kenoly in a hospital bed in June 2024.