The international and local gospel industry is in shock following the announcement of the death of gospel legend Ron Kenoly.
Kenoly was known for hit songs such as Ancient of Days, Anointing Fall on Me, Mourning into Dancing, We Are Going Up to the High Places, I See the Lord, Lift Him Up and Winna Mon, a cover of the Jamaican Lester Lewis song. He performed in Jamaica multiple times.
His last performance in Jamaica was Embrace the Promise – The Worship Edition, where he led the congregation in worship with many of his well-loved songs.
The announcement of his death was made by his long-time music director in a social media post, which has since sparked an outpouring of tributes from across the global Christian music community.
The news comes as a shock, considering that on January 21 he was posting on his social media page about his concert in Jakarta, Indonesia, along with a video showing him having dinner with his hosts.
Reared in a Christian family, Ron graduated from high school and joined the Air Force, where he sang with a Top-40-style band. After leaving the military, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue a music career, landing contracts with A&M, Warner and United Artists. However, his success caused him to drift away from the faith of his childhood.
After 10 years in the music business, he rededicated his life to Christ. Ron’s mother had given him a Bible, which became an inspiration for his songwriting and ministry. He first performed these songs at the Washington State Penitentiary, where his brother was an inmate, and later at Full Gospel Businessmen’s events and church gatherings.
Although vinyl records, CDs and digital streaming helped spread his melodies worldwide, Kenoly’s purpose was firmly rooted in ministry. He earned multiple academic degrees in music and theology, including a Master of Divinity and a Doctorate in Ministry of Sacred Music, integrating scholarship with spiritual leadership.
His ministry extended far beyond recording worship music. He founded outreach programmes, taught at worship conferences, mentored emerging leaders, and served as a pastor and teacher. Kenoly’s approach helped shape worship practices across movements and cultural contexts, particularly within charismatic and evangelical settings.
In a moving tribute on Facebook following his death, Pastor West wrote:
“Ron was the FATHER of modern praise and worship, a true pioneer in worship. Long before worship looked the way it does today, he helped shape a sound that was joyful, Spirit-filled, and rooted in Scripture. His voice and leadership influenced how the global Church learned to worship together.
Through songs like Lift Him Up, Ancient of Days, God Is Able, and Jesus Is Alive, Ron didn’t just write music—he helped create moments where people encountered God. Many of us have sung those songs without fully realising the price paid by those who went first.
What we experience in worship today stands on the shoulders of leaders like Ron Kenoly. His obedience, faithfulness, and love for the presence of God helped open doors for generations to follow.
Our hearts are heavy, but we are thankful—thankful for a life poured out for the Church and a legacy that will continue to speak.”
In his message, Bishop Francis Wale Oke wrote:
“Farewell to a true worshipper, Ron Kenoly.
A man of humility, a vessel of grace, and a true worshipper who gave his life to the glory of God.
Ron Kenoly walked in profound spiritual depth, filled with the Holy Spirit, sound in the Scriptures, and deeply moving in both word and song. He carried the presence of God wherever he ministered, lifting hearts and nations into the atmosphere of worship and reverence. It was our privilege to host him on multiple occasions in Nigeria and internationally, where he poured out his heart in service to God and the Body of Christ.
Though our hearts are heavy, we submit to the perfect will of God, taking comfort in the blessed assurance that a life spent in faithful devotion is never in vain. His Spirit-filled songs, his legacy, and his impact will continue to speak across generations.
We commiserate with his beloved family—his wife, children, and grandchildren—and pray that the Holy Spirit will comfort, strengthen, and abide with them at this critical time.
May his memory be blessed forever.”
