Renowned American Gospel Singer, Pastor Ron Kenoly, has died at the age of 81.
News of his passing was announced by his long-time music director in a social media post, which has since sparked an outpouring of tributes from across the global Christian music community.
Kenoly, best known for his powerful live worship recordings, was a defining voice in contemporary praise and worship music from the early 1990s.
His influence stretched far beyond church walls, shaping modern worship styles in congregations across Africa, Europe, the Americas and Asia.
Born in Coffeyville, Kansas, Ron Kenoly rose to international prominence with the release of his 1992 album Lift Him Up, which became one of the best-selling live worship albums of its era.
Songs such as Ancient of Days, Jesus Is Alive and We’re Going Up became staples in churches worldwide, celebrated for their vibrant arrangements, scripture-based lyrics and emphasis on joyful, participatory worship.
Over a career spanning several decades, Ron Kenoly released multiple acclaimed albums, including Ron Kenoly, God Is Able, Welcome Home and Sing Out with One Voice.
His music was noted for blending Gospel, contemporary Christian music and praise choruses, often delivered with large choirs and energetic congregational responses.
Beyond music, Kenoly served as a pastor and worship leader at Jubilee Christian Center in San Jose, California, where he ministered for many years.
He was also a sought-after speaker and worship facilitator at international conferences and crusades, particularly in Africa, where his music found deep and lasting resonance.
Following the announcement of his death, tributes have continued to pour in from fellow gospel artists, worship leaders and fans, many of whom credit Ron Kenoly with shaping their faith journey and musical calling.
His legacy is widely recognised as foundational to the global praise and worship movement. Ron Kenoly is remembered not only for his music, but for a life dedicated to ministry, worship and inspiring generations to lift their voices in praise.
He held several degrees, including a music degree from Alameda College, a Master of Divinity from Faith Bible College, and a Doctorate of Ministry in sacred music from Friends International Christian University.
His music career began following time spent in the United States Air Force.
He was originally with a group called The Mellow Fellows, but family issues caused him to leave the group. His musical career breakthrough came in 1992 when Lift Him Up became the fastest selling worship album to that point.
Welcome Home produced by Tom Brooks was also critically acclaimed, becoming Billboard’s Top contemporary worship music album,[citation needed] and winning a Gospel Music Association Dove Award for “Praise and Worship Album” in 1997.
He was formerly signed to Integrity Music. Kenoly himself only played on one of his recordings.
Kenoly met and married his first wife Tavita while he was serving in the military.
They had three sons during their 42-year marriage: Samuel, Ronald and Tony.
His cousin is American actor Don Cheadle. Kenoly was married to Diana, a United Nations Ambassador, from November 24, 2014 until his death in February 2026.
Discography
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1991: Jesus Is Alive
1992: Lift Him Up
1994: God Is Able
1995: Sing Out with One Voice
1996: Welcome Home
1997: High Places: The Best of Ron Kenoly
1998: Majesty
1999: We Offer Praises
2001: Dwell in the House
2003: Solo Para Ti
2005: Lift Him Up: The Best of Ron Kenoly
2010: Christmas with Ron Kenoly
2013: Set Apart Is Your Name Yahuwah Vol.1
2015: Set Apart Is Your Name Yahuwah Vol.2.
Songs
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Songs written or co-written by Kenoly
Jesus Is Alive (1991)
“Jesus Is Alive”
“Keeper of My Heart” with Kelly Husted
Lift Him Up with Ron Kenoly (1992)
“Hallowed Be Your Name” with Louis Smith
“We’re Going Up to the High Places”
God Is Able (1994)
“Our God Is Able (Rap)”
“Use Me” with Dewitt Jones
“Jesus Is Alive”
Sing Out with One Voice (1995)
“Joyfully, Joyfully”
“Give to the Lord”
“Welcome Rap”
“We Dedicate This Time”
Welcome Home (1996)
“Go Ahead”
“Heal Their Land”
“I Testify Today” with Louis Smith
“Welcome Home”
“I Love To Love You Lord” with Louis Smith
“Lord I Magnify” with Tavita Kenoly (wife)
Majesty (1998)
“Hallelujah to the King of Kings” with Renetha Muldrew
“The King of Kings Is Coming” with Bob Ayala
“Return To Righteousness America” with Don Moen and Tom Brooks
“In Righteousness You Reign”
“Hallelujah Reprise/Hallelujah Chorus (Hallelujah to the King of Kings)” with Handel, George Frederick and Renetha Muldrew
We Offer Praises (1999)
“We Offer Praises”
“It Is Good”
“Joshua Generation”
“Plane Crash Testimony” (spoken word)
“Broken Leg Testimony” (spoken word)
“I Still Have Joy”
Dwell in the House (2001)
“Praise Him”
“All The Way”
