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| Image: Facebook |
Renowned American gospel singer, worship leader, and pastor Ron Kenoly has died at the age of 81, marking the end of an era in contemporary Christian worship music. News of his passing emerged on Tuesday and quickly spread across social media, prompting an emotional wave of tributes from gospel ministers, worship leaders, and Christian artistes around the world.
Kenoly’s death was confirmed through posts by prominent Christian leaders, many of whom credited him as a foundational influence in their spiritual and musical journeys. Among the first to share the news was popular Nigerian gospel minister Nathaniel Bassey, who paid tribute to the late worship icon on Instagram.
“Dr Ron Kenoly crosses to yonder side. Thank you for inspiring generations of psalmists like me,” Bassey wrote.
“I grew up on these songs. And today, others are growing up on ours. Thank you, sir.”
Bassey’s message reflected the sentiments of many worship leaders who came of age singing Kenoly’s songs—music that shaped the sound, structure, and spirit of praise and worship in churches across the globe.
Renowned evangelist and Christian leader, Bishop Francis Wale Oke, also confirmed the passing in a Facebook post, where he described Kenoly as a man whose life and ministry were marked by humility and deep spiritual substance.
“Farewell to a true worshipper, Ron Kenoly,” Oke wrote.
“A man of humility, a vessel of grace, and a true worshipper who gave his life to the glory of God.”
Bishop Oke went on to reflect on Kenoly’s spiritual depth, noting that beyond his music, he was a man firmly rooted in Scripture and filled with the Holy Spirit. According to him, Kenoly’s ministry went far beyond performances, creating genuine atmospheres of worship wherever he ministered.
“He carried the presence of God wherever he ministered, lifting hearts and nations into an atmosphere of worship and reverence,” Oke said.
He further recalled that the gospel icon had ministered in Nigeria on several occasions, as well as in other parts of the world, leaving behind unforgettable worship encounters that impacted churches and congregations globally.
While acknowledging the pain of losing such a towering figure in gospel music, Bishop Oke expressed confidence in the eternal reward awaiting Kenoly.
“We commiserate with his beloved family, his wife, children and grandchildren—and pray that the Holy Spirit will comfort and strengthen them at this critical time,” he added.
Ron Kenoly was widely regarded as one of the most influential voices in contemporary gospel and praise music. He rose to global prominence in the early 1990s with his landmark 1992 album Lift Him Up, a project that helped popularize energetic, choir-led, participatory worship in churches around the world.
Some of his most enduring songs include “Majesty,” “Righteousness, Peace & Joy,” “Anointing,” “All Honour,” “Sing Out,” “Ancient of Days,” and “Jesus Is Alive.” Decades after their release, these songs remain staples in worship services across Africa, Europe, the Americas, and beyond.
Over a career spanning several decades, Kenoly released multiple successful albums, including Ron Kenoly, God Is Able, Welcome Home, and Sing Out with One Voice. His music was known for its vibrant blend of gospel, contemporary Christian sounds, and powerful praise choruses, often accompanied by large choirs and enthusiastic congregational participation.
Beyond recording and live worship sessions, Kenoly served faithfully as a pastor and worship leader at Jubilee Christian Center in San Jose, California. He was also a sought-after worship facilitator and speaker at international conferences, crusades, and church gatherings, with a particularly strong ministry presence across Africa.
Ron Kenoly is remembered not only as a gifted musician, but as a pioneer who helped shape modern worship culture. His legacy lives on through songs that continue to unite believers in praise, and through the countless worship leaders he inspired across generations.
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