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Renowned Worship Leader Ron Kenoly Dies at 81
By Zainab Bakare
Ron Kenoly, the celebrated American Christian worship leader, singer, and songwriter, has died at the age of 81.
The news is confirmed by his longtime music director, Bruno Miranda, in a statement shared on Kenoly’s official Instagram page.
According to the announcement, Kenoly passed away on February 3, 2026. No cause of death was disclosed.
Miranda, who worked closely with Kenoly for more than two decades, described him as both a mentor and a spiritual father, highlighting his unwavering dedication to ministry and worship.
“This morning, Feb. 3, 2026, we said goodbye to Dr. Ron Kenoly,” the statement read. “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 emphasized that Kenoly was deeply intentional about his calling. “Doc was very intentional about one thing: he was never an artist, never an entertainer. He was a worship leader. And he took all the time necessary to explain what that truly meant.”
He further reflected on Kenoly’s theology of worship, noting that Kenoly believed worship leadership was not about performance, but about guiding people into genuine reverence before God.
“A worship leader’s calling is not to perform songs, but to lead people into true worship in the presence of a King; the King of Kings, Jesus Christ,” Miranda shared. “He taught me that a worship leader is not merely a song leader, but a servant who connects with people whose hearts are open to worship, guiding them to ‘enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise’ (Psalm 100:4, ESV).”
According to Miranda, Kenoly consistently taught that worship is rooted in gratitude for what Christ has already done, not in anticipation of what believers hope He will do.
“Off the stage, Doc carried the same integrity, humility, and reverence for God that the world saw under the lights,” he added. “He taught me that worship begins long before the first note is played, shaped by obedience, character, and a deep fear of the Lord.”
The statement concluded with a message of faith and hope: “Today we grieve deeply, but not without hope. The worship he lived is now the worship he beholds. Until we meet again, my pastor, my mentor, my friend.”
Ron Kenoly was born on December 6, 1944, in Coffeyville, Kansas. After graduating from high school, he moved to Hollywood, California, and later served in the United States Air Force from 1965 to 1968.
During his military service, he performed with a cover band known as the Mellow Fellows, which toured military bases.
Following his service, Kenoly returned to Los Angeles to pursue full-time music ministry.
His major breakthrough came in 1992 with the release of Lift Him Up, which became the fastest-selling worship album of its time.
Kenoly’s legacy endures through his music, his teaching, and the countless worship leaders and believers he inspired around the world.
