The global gospel music community is in mourning following the death of legendary American worship leader Ron Kenoly, who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 81. Tributes have poured in from Nigerian gospel stars who credit him as a major influence on their ministries and sound.
Nathaniel Bassey shared an emotional message, writing,
“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.”
Dunsin Oyekan also paid tribute, posting a video and writing,
“Honoring a General! Rest in Peace Dr Ron Kenoly. An end of an era… You are now singing Forever in His Presence….”
Author and preacher Wale Oke described Kenoly as a man who carried God’s presence everywhere he ministered. In his tribute, he 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.” He added that Kenoly’s life and ministry lifted “hearts and nations into the atmosphere of worship and reverence.”
Singer Ada Ehi wrote,
“Dr Ron Kenoly now saint triumphant. Thank you eternally sir, you blessed many generations. Your memory is blessed.”
Moses Bliss reflected on Kenoly’s lasting spiritual impact, saying,
“Dr. Ron Kenoly now with the Lord Jesus in glory. What a life! Your legacy is etched not only in songs, but in lives, altars, and nations transformed. We honor you deeply.”
Other Nigerian gospel voices including Sunmisola Agbebi, Yinka Okeleye, Ebuka Songs, Stephen Ogah, Ope Ajayi and Tim Godfrey also shared tributes across social media.
Ron Kenoly became a global worship figure in the 1990s, known for energetic live praise albums like Lift Him Up, which became one of the fastest-selling praise records of its time. His 1997 project Welcome Home earned a Gospel Music Association Dove Award for Praise and Worship Album.
Born on December 6, 1944, in Coffeyville, Kansas, Kenoly had a rich musical and academic background, earning a music degree, a Master of Divinity, and a Doctorate of Ministry in sacred music. Before committing fully to worship ministry, he also served in the United States Air Force.
Through decades of music and ministry, Ron Kenoly’s songs became staples in churches around the world, shaping modern praise and worship and inspiring generations of gospel ministers who now carry his sound forward.