Dr. Ron Kenoly Passes Away at 81: Global Church Mourns Worship Icon

The Voice That Lifted Nations

The global Christian music community is in mourning following the passing of Dr. Ron Kenoly, the pioneering worship leader whose high-energy anthems and deep reverence defined the sound of modern praise and worship for a generation. Kenoly died on the morning of February 3, 2026, at the age of 81. His passing marks the end of an era for a ministry that bridged racial, cultural, and denominational divides through the universal language of worship.

News of his death was confirmed in a moving tribute by his longtime music director and close associate, Bruno Miranda. In a statement that resonated across social media platforms, Miranda wrote, “He was never an artist, never an entertainer. He was a worship leader. The worship he lived is now the worship he beholds.”

From Nightclubs to the Sanctuary: Early Life and Conversion

Born on December 6, 1944, in Coffeyville, Kansas, Kenoly’s journey to the pulpit was anything but direct. After graduating high school, he joined the United States Air Force in 1965, where he honed his musical talents as a member of The Mellow Fellows, a Top 40 cover band that toured military bases. Following his service, he pursued a secular career in Los Angeles under the stage name Ron Keith, signing with A&M Records and releasing R&B tracks like “Soul Vaccination.”

However, despite moderate commercial success, Kenoly felt a spiritual void. He rededicated his life to Christ in 1975, a pivot that would eventually lead him to Jubilee Christian Center in San Jose, California. It was there, serving as a music pastor, that he developed the dynamic, brass-infused worship style that would soon capture the world’s attention.

The Integrity Music Revolution

Kenoly’s collaboration with Integrity Music in the early 1990s catalyzed a global shift in how the church experienced music. His 1991 album, Jesus Is Alive, introduced a vibrant blend of gospel, soul, and contemporary Christian music (CCM). But it was his 1992 release, Lift Him Up, that became a phenomenon.

Recorded live in Norfolk, Virginia, Lift Him Up became the fastest-selling worship album of its time. It featured seminal tracks such as “Ancient of Days,” “Hallowed Be Your Name,” and the title track “Lift Him Up.” The album didn’t just sell copies; it provided a blueprint for the “worship experience”—complete with a full orchestra, a massive choir, and an atmosphere of unbridled celebration.

Key Albums and Achievements

Defining the Sound of Global Worship

Dr. Kenoly was instrumental in popularizing a “Levitical” style of worship—characterized by excellence, grandeur, and theological depth. Working closely with producer Tom Brooks, Kenoly’s sound was distinct for its use of:

• Full Brass Sections: Adding a regal, triumphant quality to songs like “Jesus Is Alive.”
• Afro-Centric Rhythms: Incorporating highlife and soukous elements that resonated deeply in African and Caribbean nations.
• Declarative Theology: Songs like “Ancient of Days” (written by Jamie Harvill and Gary Sadler) became anthems of spiritual warfare and sovereignty.

Tom Brooks paid tribute to his longtime collaborator, stating, “Ron completely changed the landscape of modern worship around the globe. His passion for God and his heart for God’s people impacted nearly every country on the planet.”

A Legacy of Mentorship: The Academy of Praise

Beyond his recording career, Kenoly was deeply committed to education. He earned a Doctorate in Ministry of Sacred Music from Friends International Christian University. Understanding the need for theological training among musicians, he founded the Academy of Praise. This mentoring program was designed to teach worship leaders that their primary role was not performance, but spiritual shepherding.

His teaching emphasized the distinction between “singing songs” and “leading worship,” a philosophy that has influenced thousands of worship pastors currently serving in churches worldwide.

Tributes from the Global Community

The news of Kenoly’s death has sparked tributes from every corner of the Christian world. From Lagos to London, churches are organizing memorial services to honor the man who taught them to “Sing Out.”

• Bruno Miranda: “For over 20 years, I had the honor of walking alongside him… He led people into true worship in the presence of a King.”
• Don Moen: (From a collaborative statement) “Ron brought an energy and a spirit of joy that was infectious. He lifted the eyes of the Church to the greatness of God.”

As the church bids farewell to this Gospel Legend, his lyrics remain his most enduring eulogy: “Ancient of Days, who is like You?” Dr. Ron Kenoly is now singing that answer face to face.