Gospel Legend Ron Kenoly Dies At 81 And Biography

The global Christian and gospel music community is mourning the passing of Ron Kenoly, an iconic worship leader, singer, songwriter, pastor, and one of the most influential voices in contemporary praise and worship music. Kenoly died on February 3, 2026, at the age of 81.

Ronald Kenneth Kenoly was born on December 6, 1944, in Coffeyville, Kansas, USA. Raised with a deep love for music and faith, he would go on to blend both into a lifetime of worship leadership.

Before his breakthrough in gospel music, Kenoly served in the United States Air Force (1965–1968), where he performed with a band known as The Mellow Fellows while stationed at various bases. After his military service, he pursued full-time music ministry.  

Kenoly’s career truly took off in the early 1990s with the release of powerful live worship albums under Integrity Music  recordings that reshaped modern praise and worship across denominations and continents.

 Lift Him Up (1992) — Ron’s breakthrough project became one of the fastest-selling worship albums of its era and remains one of his most loved works.

Kenoly’s music ministry spanned decades and produced numerous worship anthems now sung in churches worldwide:

Jesus Is Alive

Lift Him Up

Ancient of Days

Righteousness, Peace & Joy

Majesty

All Honour

Sing Out With One Voice

God Is Able

Welcome Home

Anointing

Jesus Is Alive (1991)

Lift Him Up (1992)

God Is Able (1994)

Sing Out With One Voice (1995)

Welcome Home (1996)

Ron Kenoly’s life was shaped by both his calling and his close family ties. He was married to his longtime wife, Tavita (or Diana in some reports), whom he met during his Air Force service. Together, they raised three sons — Samuel, Ronald Jr., and Tony — and were grandparents to several grandchildren. His family often supported his ministry and travel. Ron Kenoly and his wife Tavita Kenoly spent more than 42 years together. 

Ron was not only a gifted musician — he was also a dedicated scholar of worship music. He earned several degrees including:

A music degree from Alameda College

A Master of Divinity from Faith Bible College

A Doctorate in Ministry in sacred music

Kenoly’s influence was truly global — from North America to Africa, Europe, Asia, and beyond. Worship leaders, pastors, and artists around the world credited his music with changing not just praise sessions, but the very atmosphere of worship. Nigerian gospel artists, including Nathaniel Bassey, paid tribute to his legacy, acknowledging how his songs shaped generations of worship leaders and congregations.

Strikingly, church leaders like Bishop Wale Oke praised Kenoly as a true worshipper whose life pointed others to God with humility and passion.

Ron Kenoly’s music and message were never about performance — they were about leading people into God’s presence. His live recordings, joyful energy, heartfelt lyrics, and theological depth helped shape contemporary worship styles that continue to inspire and uplift millions.

Though he has passed from this world, his songs remain timeless and his legacy continues to resonate in churches and hearts around the world.

Rest in peace, Dr. Ron Kenoly your worship lives on.