By Amofokhai Williams
Renowned American gospel singer, worship leader, pastor, and songwriter Ron Kenoly died on Tuesday at the age of 81.
His death was confirmed by his longtime music director Bruno Miranda via social media and widely reported across news outlets and artist tributes.
His death has prompted an outpouring of condolences from the global Christian music community.
Kenoly was born on December 6, 1944, in Coffeyville, Kansas. From a young age, he showed a deep interest in music, inspired by performers like Sammy Davis Jr. and Nat King Cole.
He served in the United States Air Force from 1965 to 1968, performing with a cover band called the Mellow Fellows. After his service, he pursued a secular music career in Los Angeles, recording R&B tracks and demos (including for songs like “Up, Up and Away”), releasing singles under labels such as A&M Records and Inner City, and achieving modest success with tracks like “Lovely Weekend.”
A profound shift occurred in the early 1980s when Kenoly transitioned fully to Christian music. His first gospel album, ‘You Ought to Listen to This,’ appeared in 1983. In 1985, he became the worship leader at Jubilee Christian Center in San Jose, California, under Pastor Dick Bernal; he was ordained as Music Pastor in 1987 and later named the church’s Ambassador of Music in 1993. He consulted widely with churches on developing music ministries.
His breakthrough came with the 1992 live worship album ‘Lift Him Up,’ which became one of the fastest-selling worship recordings of its time. Subsequent releases like ‘God Is Able’ (1994), ‘Sing Out with One Voice’ (1995), ‘Welcome Home’ in 1996, which won a Dove Award for Praise and Worship Album, ‘Majesty’ (1998), and ‘Dwell in the House’ (2001) solidified his status as a leading figure in contemporary worship music.
Kenoly wrote or co-wrote many popular songs, including “Hallowed Be Your Name,” “We’re Going Up to the High Places,” “Use Me,” and “All The Way.”
Signed to Integrity Music for much of his career, his energetic, Spirit-led live recordings and large-scale worship events influenced churches worldwide, with particular resonance in Africa and Nigeria, where his songs remain staples in Sunday services and crusades.
He earned a music degree from Alameda College, a Master of Divinity from Faith Bible College, and a Doctorate in Ministry of Sacred Music in 1996 from Friends International Christian University. In 1999, Kenoly relocated to Central Florida, where he continued traveling, teaching, recording, and leading worship until shortly before his death.
He was married to his first wife, Tavita, for 42 years, they had three sons: Samuel, Ronald, and Tony; since November 24, 2014, he was married to Diana, a United Nations Ambassador. His cousin is actor Don Cheadle.
News of Kenoly’s death broke rapidly on social media today. Nigerian gospel artist Nathaniel Bassey paid tribute, noting how Kenoly “inspired generations.”
Bishop Francis Wale Oke posted a heartfelt farewell on Facebook, describing him as “a man of humility, a vessel of grace, and a true worshipper who gave his life to the glory of God.”
Other artists and fans echoed these sentiments, celebrating his legacy of creating atmospheres of praise that drew people closer to God.
