The “Ancient of Days” singer and worship pioneer reportedly passed peacefully in his sleep, leaving behind a monumental legacy in modern worship.
The world of contemporary gospel music has lost one of its most towering figures. Dr. Ron Kenoly, the legendary worship leader whose songs defined an era of congregational praise, has passed away at the age of 81.
Reports confirmed that the celebrated minister died in the early hours of Tuesday, February 3, 2026. Sources close to the family indicate that he passed away peacefully in his sleep.
A Pioneer of Modern Worship
Born on December 6, 1944, Ron Kenoly was instrumental in transitioning traditional church music into the high-energy, orchestral, and spiritually deep “Praise and Worship” movement of the 1990s. His collaboration with Integrity Music produced some of the best-selling gospel albums of all time, including Lift Him Up, God Is Able, and Sing Out with One Voice.
Kenoly was best known for global anthems that are still sung in churches today, including:
- “Ancient of Days”
- “Majesty”
- “Be Glorified”
- “Mourning Into Dancing”
Tributes from Nigeria and Beyond
News of his passing sparked an immediate outpouring of emotion across social media. In Nigeria, where Kenoly had a massive following and frequently visited for major gospel concerts, tributes poured in from top ministers.
Nigerian gospel star Nathaniel Bassey took to X (formerly Twitter) to honor the icon, describing Kenoly as a “true legend” whose ministry transformed the way generations approach the presence of God. Many other worship leaders credited Kenoly’s large-scale concert recordings for setting the standard for professional gospel music production.
Final Days and Legacy
In recent months, Dr. Kenoly had reportedly mentioned undergoing respiratory treatments but remained spiritually active and connected to his global audience.
His ministry transcended racial and denominational barriers, reaching millions in Africa, Europe, and the Americas. Dr. Kenoly leaves behind a legacy of “making God’s praise glorious,” a mission he championed for over four decades.
His team is expected to release an official statement regarding funeral arrangements in the coming days.