Legend Gospel Musician Ron Kenoly Passed On At 81

The death of Ron Kenoly has been announced. He was 81.

Dr. Ron Kenoly (December 6, 1944 – February 3, 2026) was an American Christian worship leader, singer, and songwriter who became a foundational figure in the global praise and worship movement. His ministry, marked by a mission “to create an environment for the manifest presence of God,” impacted millions through high-energy, jubilant worship recordings.

Early Life and Military Service
Born in Coffeyville, Kansas, Kenoly was one of six sons raised primarily by his mother, Edith. After graduating from high school, he moved to Hollywood to pursue a music career. In 1965, he joined the United States Air Force, where he served for three years. During this time, he performed with The Mellow Fellows, a Top 40 cover band that toured military bases.

Musical Evolution and Rededication
Following his military service, Kenoly sought success in the secular music industry. Under the name Ron Keith, he signed with A&M Records and later with the Inner City label, where his 1972 song “Lovely Weekend” sold nearly 200,000 copies. However, he eventually found himself drifting from his faith. After a decade in the industry, and following the prayers of his mother and wife, he rededicated his life to Christ.

Breakthrough and Integrity Music
Kenoly’s transition into full-time ministry began in 1985 at Jubilee Christian Center in San Jose, California. He served as the Music Pastor and was eventually named the church’s Ambassador of Music.

His career reached a global peak in the early 1990s after he signed with Integrity Music. His landmark live albums included:

Jesus Is Alive (1991): His debut gospel project.
Lift Him Up (1992): At the time, it became the fastest-selling worship album in history.
God Is Able (1994): A Dove Award nominee.
Welcome Home (1996): Winner of the GMA Dove Award for Praise and Worship Album of the Year (1997).

Academic and Ministerial Achievements
Kenoly was highly academic, holding multiple degrees:

A music degree from Alameda College.
A Master of Divinity from Faith Bible College.
A Doctorate of Ministry in Sacred Music from Friends International Christian University (1996).

In 1999, he relocated to Orlando, Florida, to establish Ron Kenoly Ministries. He spent his later years consulting for churches worldwide and mentoring worship leaders through his academy, which had bases as far as England and Brazil.

Personal Life and Legacy
Kenoly was married to his first wife, Tavita, for 42 years, and they had three sons: Samuel, Ronald, and Tony. Following her passing, he married Diana, a UN Ambassador, in 2014. Notably, he was a cousin to American actor Don Cheadle.

He passed away on February 3, 2026, at the age of 81. He is remembered as a “Psalmist of the Century” whose work bridged the gap between traditional gospel and contemporary congregational worship.