American Gospel Singer Ron Kenoly Passes on at 81

Elegbede Abiodun

Kenoly greatly influenced Christian worshippers to spiritual upliftment through his music globally.

American Christian worship leader, singer and songwriter Ron Kenoly has died at the age of 81.

The globally renowned gospel musician reportedly passed away on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, with his death confirmed by several artistes across social media platforms.

Reacting to the news, Nigerian gospel minister Nathaniel Bassey paid tribute to Kenoly, describing him as a generational inspiration.

“Dr Ron Kenoly crosses to yonder side. Thank you for inspiring generations of psalmists like me. I grew up on these songs, and today others are growing up on ours. Thank you, sir,” Bassey wrote on Instagram.

Kenoly was celebrated for iconic worship songs such as “Majesty,” “Righteousness, Peace & Joy,” “Anointing,” “All Honour,” “Sing Out,” “Lift Him Up,” and “Jesus Is Alive,” many of which shaped modern congregational worship across the world.

Born on December 6, 1944, in Coffeyville, Kansas, Kenoly rose to prominence in the 1980s and 1990s for leading large-scale live worship concerts that influenced churches globally, particularly in Africa.

His music career began after serving in the United States Air Force, with his major breakthrough coming in 1992 when Lift Him Up became the fastest-selling worship album at the time. Another album, Welcome Home, produced by Tom Brooks, was critically acclaimed and topped Billboard’s Contemporary Christian Music charts.

Ron Kenoly leaves behind a lasting legacy in gospel music, having inspired countless worship leaders, musicians and believers worldwide through his sound, spirit and message of praise.