Biography of Dr. Ron Kenoly, 10 Things You Need To Know

Dr. Ron Kenoly (December 6, 1944 – February 3, 2026) was a pioneering American worship leader, singer, and songwriter whose work revolutionized the “Praise and Worship” genre in the 1990s. Born in Coffeyville, Kansas, Kenoly’s early life was rooted in the church, though he spent several years in the secular world. After serving in the United States Air Force (1965–1968), where he performed with a cover band called the Mellow Fellows, he pursued a career as an R&B entertainer in Los Angeles, recording for major labels like MCA and A&M.

In 1975, following a personal crisis, Kenoly rededicated his life to Christ. He moved into full-time ministry in 1985 at Jubilee Christian Center in San Jose, California. His global breakthrough came in the early 1990s after signing with Integrity Music. His live recording projects, such as Jesus Is Alive (1991) and Lift Him Up (1992) the latter becoming the fastest-selling worship album of its time brought high-octane, orchestral praise into the mainstream.

Kenoly was celebrated for his impeccable showmanship and deep theological focus, always maintaining that he was a “worship leader,” not an “entertainer.” He passed away on February 3, 2026, at the age of 81, leaving behind a legacy that continues to shape modern worship.

10 Things To Know About Ron Kenoly

Secular Roots: Before his gospel fame, he was a successful R&B singer and nightclub entertainer in the 1970s.
Highly Educated: He held multiple degrees, including a Master of Divinity from Faith Bible College and a Ph.D. in Ministry of Sacred Music from Friends International Christian University.
The “Integrity” Legend: His first eight live albums with Integrity Music sold over four million copies, a massive feat for the praise and worship genre at the time.
African Connection: He had a deep love for Africa, particularly Nigeria, where he was a frequent headliner at The Experience one of the world’s largest gospel concerts.
Family Legacy: He was married to his first wife, Tavita, for 42 years before her passing. He later married Diana, a United Nations Ambassador, in 2014.
Famous Cousin: He is the cousin of the Academy Award-nominated American actor Don Cheadle.
Military Service: He served three years in the United States Air Force, which is where he first began performing professionally with a band.
The Academy of Praise: In 1999, he founded the Academy of Praise in Orlando, Florida, a mentoring program designed to train future pastors, musicians, and worship leaders.
Vocalist First: Despite his albums featuring world-class instrumentation, Kenoly famously only played an instrument (guitar) on one of his professional recordings.
Global Reach: While he often played for crowds of 15,000 in the U.S., he once performed for over 200,000 worshippers at a single meeting in Bangalore, India.

Conclusion

Dr. Ron Kenoly was more than a musician; he was a spiritual architect who built a bridge between traditional church music and contemporary global worship. His ability to blend professional excellence with a sincere heart for God allowed his music to transcend cultural and denominational barriers, making him a “General” in the kingdom of gospel music.

As the world mourns his passing in 2026, his enduring classics like “Ancient of Days” and “God Is Able” continue to serve as the blueprint for worship leaders across the globe, ensuring that his voice remains a permanent fixture in the sanctuary of the faithful.

Biography of Dr. Ron Kenoly, 10 Things You Need To Know