Legendary American worship leader Ron Kenoly, whose anthems reshaped global praise for decades, passed away Tuesday morning at 81, his music director Bruno Miranda confirmed via the singer’s Instagram, unleashing a torrent of heartbreak from Nigeria to Nashville.
Ron Kenoly
Born December 6, 1944, in Coffeyville, Kansas, Kenoly rocketed to fame in the 1990s with Integrity Music albums like Jesus Is Alive and the chart-topping Lift Him Up, blending high-energy showmanship with theology-deep lyrics in hits Majesty, Righteousness Peace & Joy, Anointing, All Honour, Sing Out, Ancient of Days, and Be Glorified.
A U.S. Air Force vet turned Bible college grad, he founded Ron Kenoly Ministries in Orlando, mentoring worship armies worldwide and electrifying Africa’s megachurches, including Lagos’ The Experience, where his participatory fire left indelible marks on generations.
Nigerian star Nathaniel Bassey led the lament: “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,” he posted on Instagram, capturing a continent’s gratitude.
Miranda, who served 20 years at Kenoly’s side, choked back tears: “This morning, Feb. 3, 2026, we said goodbye to Dr. Ron Kenoly… Until we meet again, my pastor, my mentor, my friend,” as Channels TV, Punch, Sahara Reporters, and TMZ amplified the shockwave minus a disclosed cause.
Kenoly’s void hits hardest in praise hubs from Houston cathedrals to Lagos cathedrals, where his soul-stirring calls to “lift Him up” ignited congregational revolutions, cementing a legacy that outlives any stage.
Funeral rites pending, the psalmist who bridged hymns and hits now rests in the ultimate worship, his voice echoing eternally through the songs that raised nations heavenward.
