By Attah Ede
Popular and famous American gospel icon, songwriter, worship legend and Pastor Ron Kenoly has passed away at the age of 81.
His death was confirmed on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, creating an outpouring of tributes from Christian music communities and worship leaders across the world.
The great musician, whose songs impacted lives globally, was said to have played influential role in shaping contemporary praise and worship music.
His ministry and music resonated far beyond the United States, reaching churches across Africa, Europe, Asia and the Americas, where his songs became an integral part of modern worship services.
With songs like ‘Lift Him Up’, ‘Jesus Is Alive’ and several songs made at live worship concerts, he will be missed by his many followers, his family and the gospel music industry especially.
Born on December 6, 1944, in Coffeyville, Kansas, Kenoly rose to international prominence in the late 20th century.
He became internationally iconic with the release of Lift Him Up With Ron Kenoly in 1992, an album that helped redefine praise music. Songs such as “Ancient of Days,” “Jesus Is Alive,” and “We’re Going Up” went on to become enduring worship classics sung in churches around the world.
His Welcome Home’ produced by Tom Brooks was also critically acclaimed, becoming Billboard’s Top contemporary worship music album.
In the course of his career, Kenoly released more than 20 albums, including God Is Able, Sing Out With One Voice and Welcome Home. His energetic, choir-backed performances and congregational worship style broke new ground, blending gospel, praise and contemporary Christian music in a way that influenced generations of worship leaders.
Beyond music, Kenoly was also a respected pastor and worship leader, serving prominently at Jubilee Christian Center in San Jose, California.
He was a regular feature at international worship conferences, seminars and church events, where he mentored worship teams and led large-scale praise gatherings.
Upon the announcement of his death, tributes have continued to pour in from gospel artists, pastors and fans worldwide.
Many have spoken of how Kenoly’s ministry shaped their faith and inspired their approach to worship. Nigerian gospel minister Nathaniel Bassey and other notable worship leaders acknowledged his profound influence on multiple generations of psalmists.
The cause of death has not been officially disclosed by his family or representatives. Plans for memorial services and celebrations of his life are expected to be announced in the coming days.
Ron Kenoly leaves behind a lasting legacy as a pioneer of contemporary worship music and a devoted servant of the Christian faith, remembered for lifting countless voices in praise across the globe.
