Legendary gospel singer Ron Kenoly dies at 81
Legendary gospel music singer Ron Kenoly has passed away.
His death was announced by his music director Bruno Miranda on Kenoly’s official Instagram page on Tuesday.
According to the statement, the gospel music icon and worship leader died on Wednesday at the age of 81.
“Today, February 3, 2026, we said farewell to Dr Ron Kenoly,” Miranda wrote.
Kenoly was celebrated globally for his powerful live worship recordings, shaping contemporary praise and worship music in an influential manner.
With the release of Lift Him in 1992, his musical career skyrocketed, as the album became the fastest-selling worship album at the time.
His music had far reaching influence in churches across Africa, Europe, Asia and the Americas, where his songs became an integral part of modern worship services
Miranda who for over two decades was late Kenoly’s music director, while commenting on the life of the deceased, said Kenoly intentionally rejected the label of entertainer, emphasizing that his role was to lead people into worship, not to perform for them.
“Though we grieve his passing, we do so with hope. The worship he lived is now the worship he experiences,” he said.
His musical albums include, Jesus Is Alive (1991), Ancient of Days (1992), God Is Able (1994), Sing Out With One Voice (1995), Welcome Home (1996), High Places: The Best of Ron Kenoly, amongst other notable performances.
