A TRIBUTE TO A LEGEND, GOSPEL DINGER SONG WRITER DR RON KENOLY.
Friday 6th February 2026
7am
By Teekay Adams
Freedom reporters.
The global Christian community mourns the passing of Dr. Ron Kenoly, a foundational voice in contemporary worship music who died on February 3, 2026, at the age of 81.
His music director, Bruno Miranda, confirmed his peaceful passing.
🎵 A Legacy of Praise and Worship
Dr. Kenoly’s career was defined by a powerful ministry that reshaped modern praise.
His 1992 album
Lift Him Up became the fastest-selling worship album of its time, igniting a movement. He saw himself not as a performer, but as a worship leader whose calling was to guide people into sincere reverence for God.
* Iconic Songs: He gifted the church timeless anthems like “Ancient of Days,” “Jesus Is Alive,” and “Lift Him Up”.
* Award-Winning Work: His 1996 album Welcome Home was Billboard’s top contemporary worship album and won a Dove Award.
* Global Reach His ministry spanned 123 nations, with a particularly profound impact in countries like Nigeria, where his music became a cultural touchstone for evangelism and worship.
✝️ A Life of Service and Humility
Born in Coffeyville, Kansas, on December 6, 1944, Kenoly’s journey included service in the U.S. Air Force and early work as an R&B artist before he dedicated his life to Christian music in 1983. He was a scholar of worship, holding a Doctorate of Ministry in sacred music.
Despite his accolades, he was remembered by peers and collaborators as a man of profound humility and spiritual depth, who believed worship was “rooted in gratitude” and was a “servant who connects with people”.
💐 In Loving Memory
Dr. Ron Kenoly’s earthly journey has ended, but his spiritual legacy endures. As expressed in tributes, “he was never an artist, never an entertainer. He was a worship leader”. His songs continue to be a trumpet of praise for generations, a testament to a life fully devoted to ushering others into God’s presence.
Blessing and honor, glory and power, be unto the Ancient of Days…”
May his family be comforted, and may his worship live on in the hearts of believers worldwide.
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