Renowned American Christian worship leader, singer, and songwriter Ron Kenoly died on Tuesday at the age of 81.
His death was confirmed by his longtime music director, Bruno Miranda, in a statement shared on Kenoly’s official Instagram page.
Widely celebrated for redefining modern praise and worship, Kenoly built a decades-long ministry that influenced churches and worship leaders across the world.
Here are key things to know about his life, career, and legacy.
1. Ron Kenoly was one of the most influential Christian worship leaders of the modern era, known for shaping contemporary praise and worship music worldwide.
2. He was born on December 6, 1944, in Coffeyville, Kansas, where he also spent his early childhood.
3. Kenoly served in the United States Air Force from 1965 to 1968, a period that helped shape his musical discipline and performance experience.
4. Before fully embracing gospel music, Kenoly recorded secular R&B and soul tracks and even used the stage name Ron Keith early in his career.
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5. While in the Air Force, he was part of The Mellow Fellows, a top-40 cover band that toured military bases.
6. Kenoly recorded demos for Audio Arts, later signed with A&M Records, and eventually became a key artist with Integrity Music.
7. His album “Lift Him Up” became the fastest-selling worship album at the time, launching him into international prominence.
8. His album “Welcome Home” won the Gospel Music Association Dove Award for Praise and Worship Album of the Year in 1997.
9. Kenoly served as worship leader and later Music Pastor at Jubilee Christian Center in San Jose, California.
10. In 1987, he was officially ordained and installed as a music pastor, combining ministry with music leadership.
11. Kenoly earned a music degree, a Master of Divinity, and a Doctorate of Ministry in Sacred Music.
12. Beyond performing, he advised churches on building effective worship and music ministries nationwide.
13. In 1999, he moved to central Florida, continuing to teach, record, and minister globally.
14. Ron Kenoly was a cousin of Hollywood actor Don Cheadle, a lesser-known fact about his family background.