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Ron Kenoly
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Key Information
Ron Kenoly (December 6, 1944 – February 3, 2026) was an American Christian worship leader, singer and songwriter.
Kenoly held several degrees including a music degree from Alameda College in Alameda, California, a Master of Divinity degree from Faith Bible College in Independence, Missouri, and a Doctorate of Ministry degree in sacred music from Friends International Christian University in Merced, California.[1] His music career began after he left the United States Air Force.[1] He was originally in a group called The Mellow Fellows, but situations with his family caused him to leave. His musical career breakthrough came in 1992 when Lift Him Up became the fastest selling worship album to that point.[1] Welcome Home produced by Tom Brooks was also critically acclaimed, becoming Billboard's Top contemporary worship music album[citation needed] and winning a Gospel Music Association Dove Award for "Praise and Worship Album" in 1997.[2] He was signed to Integrity Music. Kenoly himself only played music on one of his recordings.
Early life and career
[edit]Kenoly was born in Coffeyville, Kansas in southeast Kansas and grew up there. He said that when his mother, Edith Kenoly, was pregnant with him, she rubbed her stomach and prayed, "Lord, let this one praise you."[This quote needs a citation] He was interested in a musical career from a young age and said, "As a child I remember seeing Sammy Davis Jr. and Nat King Cole for the first time. I was so impressed as I watched two Black men grace a national stage. I knew right then that was what I wanted."[This quote needs a citation]
After graduating from high school in Coffeyville, Kenoly moved to Hollywood, Los Angeles. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1965 to 1968. During his Air Force career, Kenoly was a member of the Mellow Fellows, a top 40 cover band which toured military bases. After leaving the Air Force, he returned to Los Angeles to continue his music career. He sang demos of Jimmy Webb songs including "Up, Up and Away," for the Audio Arts label. The label also released Kenoly's first single, "The Glory of Your Love (Mine Eyes Have Seen)." He later signed with A&M Records. The label's executives gave Kenoly the stage name Ron Keith, and he recorded the R&B tracks "I Betcha I'll Get Ya," "Soul Vaccination," and 1975's "Can't Live Without You."
Kenoly and Candy Rae were the first act signed to George Semper's Inner City label. Semper remarked, "The two of them came and sang the song at my house, and I knew straight away I wanted to sign them." Their single "Lovely Weekend", recorded in 1972 at Clark Brown Audio studio in Crenshaw, Los Angeles sold nearly 200,000 copies. Kenoly later stopped recording secular music and for four years attempted to get a gospel record deal. In 1983, he released his first Christian album, You Ought to Listen to This. In early 1985, Ron attended Marin Bible College in Marin County CA. The college featured several well-know musicians including James Trumbo from the Van Morrison Band, Donna Jean Godcheaux from The Grateful Dead, David McKay from Michael Nesmith's band and Pat Craig of the Tazmanian Devils, all who had left secular music to follow Christ.. He eventually began to lead praise and worship for other pastors including Jack Hayford and Lester Sumrall catching the attention of evangelist Mario Murillo, who introduced him to Pastor Dick Bernal, the founder of Jubilee Christian Center in San Jose, California.
Kenoly began working as a full-time minister in 1985 as JCC's worship leader mainly leading worship services. In 1987, he was ordained and installed as a music pastor. In 1993, he was named Jubilee Christian Center's Ambassador of Music. He began consulting churches across the U.S. about developing their music departments. In 1996, Kenoly received his Doctorate in Ministry of Sacred Music degree. In 1999, he moved to central Florida and continued to travel, speak, sing, teach, and record until his death. He wrote books, one of which he co-authored with Pastor Dick Bernal.[citation needed]
Ron Kenoly was revered around the world especially in Africa.
Personal life and death
[edit]Kenoly met and married his first wife Tavita while he was in the Air Force.[citation needed] They had three sons during their 42-year+ marriage: Samuel, Ronald, and Tony. In 2014 he married Diana, with whom he remained until his death.[3][4]
Discography
[edit]- 1985: You Ought To Listen To This - (Rainbow Records)
- 1987: Send Revival - (Ron Kenoly Music)
- 1991: Jesus Is Alive - (Integrity's Hosanna! Music)
- 1992: Lift Him Up - (Integrity's Hosanna! Music)
- 1994: God Is Able - (Integrity's Hosanna! Music)
- 1995: Sing Out with One Voice - (Integrity's Music)
- 1996: Welcome Home - (Integrity Music)
- 1997: High Places: The Best of Ron Kenoly - (Integrity's Hosanna! Music)
- 1998: Majesty - (Integrity's Hosanna! Music)
- 1999: We Offer Praises - (Integrity's Hosanna! Music)
- 2001: Dwell in the House - (Integrity's Hosanna! Music)
- 2001: The Perfect Gift (A Christmas Praisical) - (Right Hand Records)
- 2003: Solo Para Ti - (Right Hand Records)
- 2005: Fill The Earth - (Right Hand Records)
- 2005: Lift Him Up Collection: The Best of Ron Kenoly - (Integrity Gospel)
- 2010: Christmas with Ron Kenoly - (Worship Alliance)
- 2013: Set Apart Is Your Name Yahuwah Vol.1 - (Kenoly Family Music)
- 2015: Set Apart Is Your Name Yahuwah Vol.2 - (Kenoly Family Music)
Songs
[edit]Songs written or co-written by Kenoly:
- Jesus Is Alive (1991)
- "Jesus Is Alive"
- "Keeper of My Heart" with Kelly Husted
- Lift Him Up with Ron Kenoly (1992)
- "Hallowed Be Your Name" with Louis Smith
- "We're Going Up to the High Places"
- God Is Able (1994)
- "Our God Is Able (Rap)"
- "Use Me" with Dewitt Jones
- "Jesus Is Alive"
- Sing Out with One Voice (1995)
- "Joyfully, Joyfully"
- "Give to the Lord"
- "Welcome Rap"
- "We Dedicate This Time"
- Welcome Home (1996)
- "Go Ahead"
- "Heal Their Land"
- "I Testify Today" with Louis Smith
- "Welcome Home"
- "I Love To Love You Lord" with Louis Smith
- "Lord I Magnify" with Tavita Kenoly (wife)
- Majesty (1998)
- "Hallelujah to the King of Kings" with Renetha Muldrew
- "The King of Kings Is Coming" with Bob Ayala
- "Return To Righteousness America" with Don Moen and Tom Brooks
- "In Righteousness You Reign"
- "Hallelujah Reprise/Hallelujah Chorus (Hallelujah to the King of Kings)" with music by George Frideric Handel and feauturing Renetha Muldrew
- We Offer Praises (1999)
- "We Offer Praises"
- "It Is Good"
- "Joshua Generation"
- "Plane Crash Testimony" (spoken word)
- "Broken Leg Testimony" (spoken word)
- "I Still Have Joy"
- Dwell in the House (2001)
- "Praise Him"
- "All The Way"
Filmography
[edit]- 2010 - The Bill Collector
References
[edit]- ^ a b c Powell, Mark Allan (2002). Encyclopedia of Contemporary Christian Music (First printing ed.). Peabody, Massachusetts: Hendrickson Publishers. pp. 484–485. ISBN 1-56563-679-1.
- ^ "Dove Award Recipients for 1997 Archived 2006-10-20 at the Wayback Machine". Published by the Gospel Music Association. Retrieved 2007-02-05.
- ^ Pinsky, Mark I. (24 September 2005). "Making a Joyful Noise". Orlando Sentinel.
- ^ Sumadia, Kinette (3 February 2026). "Did Ron Kenoly have children? Family details emerge after the Gospel legend's death at 81". primetimer.com. Retrieved 18 February 2026.
- ^ Klett, Lisa MarieAnn (3 February 2026). "Ron Kenoly, influential worship leader who shaped modern praise music, dies at 81". The Christian Post. Retrieved 3 February 2026.
- ^ "Ron Kenoly Passes Away Today – Global Impact". GhanaMedia.net. Retrieved 3 February 2026.
External links
[edit]- Ron Kenoly Artist Profile at New Release Tuesday
- Ron Kenoly: The Ex-R&B singer now enjoying US CCM success
- Ron Kenoly at IMDb
- Ron Kenoly discography at Discogs
Ron Kenoly
View on GrokipediaBorn in Coffeyville, Kansas, as the third of six sons raised by his single mother, Edith, Kenoly began his musical journey singing in the Union Baptist Church, where he gave his life to Christ at an early age.[1][3]
After graduating high school in Coffeyville, he moved to Hollywood and served in the U.S. Air Force from 1965 to 1968, during which he met his wife, Tavita, a Puerto Rican woman; the couple married in 1968 and raised three sons.[1][3] Initially pursuing a career in R&B and soul music, Kenoly signed with record labels including MCA, United Artists, Warner Bros., and A&M between 1968 and 1978, earning industry respect but achieving no major commercial hits while performing in nightclubs.[1][3]
In 1975, he quit secular performing, rededicated his life to Christ, and relocated to Oakland, California, where he earned an associate's degree in music from the College of Alameda and became a voice teacher.[1][3]
He later obtained a Master of Divinity from Faith Bible College and a Doctorate of Ministry in sacred music, establishing himself as an educator in vocal performance and worship leading.[4] Kenoly's transition to contemporary Christian music gained momentum in 1985 when he was appointed Minister of Music at Jubilee Christian Center in San Jose, California, a position he held until 1999.[1]
Signing with Integrity Music, he released breakthrough albums such as Jesus Is Alive (1991), Lift Him Up (1992)—which spent over 70 weeks on Billboard's Contemporary Christian chart—and God Is Able (1994), the latter reaching number one on U.S. Christian music charts.[3][1]
Over his career, he produced more than 10 albums, selling over 4 million copies in the 1990s alone, blending R&B, soul, and black church traditions with praise and worship to bridge racial and cultural divides in evangelical music.[1][3] In 1999, Kenoly founded Ron Kenoly Ministries and the Academy of Praise in Orlando, Florida, where he resided, focusing on training worship leaders and performing internationally.[1]
His global influence was evident in large-scale events, such as a 200,000-person concert in Bangalore, India, and widespread popularity in Africa, including Nigeria and South Africa.[1][3]
Recognized with a 1997 GMA Dove Award for his contributions and nicknamed "The Professor of Praise," Kenoly revitalized American evangelical worship music through his energetic style and emphasis on congregational participation.[1][3]
Early Life and Education
Childhood and Family
Ron Kenoly was born on December 6, 1944, in Coffeyville, Kansas.[5] As the third of six sons, Kenoly grew up in a household where his father, a U.S. Air Force sergeant, was frequently absent due to military duties, leaving his mother, Edith, to raise the family largely single-handedly.[3] His mother was deeply committed to her faith and actively participated in the Union Baptist Church, ensuring the entire family attended services every Sunday, which embedded strong Christian values in their daily lives from an early age.[3] This church-centered environment provided Kenoly's first exposure to gospel music through congregational singing, igniting his lifelong passion for performance.[2] His mother's unwavering prayers and devotion were instrumental in his spiritual formation, as he committed his life to Christ during childhood and soon began participating in church music activities.[3] While details on his siblings remain sparse, the family's emphasis on faith and communal worship fostered a resilient, joyful home atmosphere that profoundly influenced Kenoly's worldview and early development.[3]Military Service
Kenoly enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1965, shortly after high school graduation, and served for three years until his discharge in October 1968.[1][3] During his service, which took place amid the Vietnam War era, Kenoly had limited direct combat exposure and instead focused on musical performances as a member of the Mellow Fellows, a Top 40 cover band popular at military bases and nearby nightclubs.[1][3] The band's gigs provided early opportunities to hone his vocal talents and stage presence within the structured military environment, where routines emphasized discipline and camaraderie among service members.[3] It was also during this period that Kenoly met his first wife, Tavita, through mutual friends in the Air Force; he proposed on their first date, and they married about a year later.[1][3] Following his honorable discharge, Kenoly returned to civilian life and relocated to Los Angeles, where he immersed himself in the local music scene, performing as a nightclub entertainer and laying the groundwork for his professional career in R&B.[1] This transition effectively closed his military chapter and opened the door to his secular music pursuits.[3]Academic Background
Following his military service, Ron Kenoly pursued higher education to formalize his musical talents and deepen his theological understanding, attending evening classes at the College of Alameda in Oakland, California, where he earned an associate degree in music in 1982.[1] This initial credential provided foundational training in music theory and performance, enabling him to teach voice and build his early professional skills in secular entertainment while balancing family and work responsibilities.[3] Kenoly continued his studies at Faith Bible College, completing a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) in 1985, which equipped him with advanced knowledge in biblical interpretation, pastoral care, and worship practices essential for his emerging role in Christian ministry.[1] This graduate degree marked a pivotal step in his academic progression during the 1980s, aligning his musical expertise with spiritual leadership as he shifted toward gospel music.[3] To further strengthen his authority in sacred music, Kenoly obtained a Doctor of Ministry in sacred music from Friends International Christian University in 1997, focusing on the integration of theology and contemporary worship composition.[1] These advanced degrees, earned progressively alongside his burgeoning career, underscored his commitment to scholarly preparation, ultimately enhancing his credibility as a worship leader and educator in global Christian communities.[3]Professional Career
Secular Music Phase
Following his discharge from the United States Air Force in the late 1960s, Ron Kenoly formed and led the R&B group The Mellow Fellows, building on his earlier experiences performing Top 40 covers with the band during his military service at bases around the country. The group toured regionally for several years, with Kenoly serving as lead vocalist, and later evolved into the Ron Kenoly Trio, which focused on soul and R&B performances in Los Angeles nightclubs and the Hollywood entertainment circuit.[6][1] Kenoly's stage style was heavily influenced by performers like Sammy Davis Jr. and Nat King Cole, whom he admired for their charisma, vocal range, and ability to navigate racial barriers in entertainment—figures he had watched on television as a child in Kansas. These nightclub and circuit gigs provided consistent opportunities, positioning Kenoly as a reliable draw in the local R&B scene and allowing him to hone his skills as an entertainer.[1][6][3] The relentless touring schedule, however, created significant marital tensions with his wife, Tavita, whom he had met and married during his Air Force years. The couple faced multiple separations and neared divorce multiple times, as Kenoly's dedication to his career often overshadowed family priorities, leading him to later describe his professional ambitions as having become his "god."[3][6] Commercially, Kenoly's secular efforts yielded limited success, with nine singles released on major labels such as Audio Arts, MCA, United Artists, Warner Bros., and A&M Records, earning him industry respect and a stable income to support his family through regional performances. Despite this progress and proximity to a potential major break, he did not achieve widespread breakthroughs in the soul music landscape by the early 1980s.[3][6]Transition to Gospel
In 1975, Ron Kenoly rededicated his life to Christianity on November 19, prompted by the persistent prayers of his wife, Tavita, who had herself recommitted to faith earlier that year, and the longstanding spiritual influence of his mother, Edith. This pivotal moment came amid personal struggles, including marital separations and the realization that his pursuit of secular music stardom had sidelined his family responsibilities, nearly leading to divorce. Influenced by Tavita's renewed devotion and her prayers for family healing, Kenoly confronted the imbalance between his career ambitions and his home life, ultimately choosing to prioritize his faith.[3][7] Following his rededication, Kenoly abruptly exited the secular music scene, leaving behind nightclub performances and Hollywood aspirations to focus on spiritual growth and family restoration. He relocated from Los Angeles to Oakland, California, where he worked as a locker room attendant while returning to education to earn a music degree from the College of Alameda. During this period, he began his initial foray into gospel music by singing in small church settings and starting a personal ministry, initially limited to performing others' songs in local congregations as he rebuilt his life around Christian principles.[3][7] A key turning point occurred in 1982, when Kenoly, frustrated by unfulfilled dreams of secular success after years of teaching high school music and tutoring vocals, prayed for direction and committed fully to using his talents for faith-based purposes. This led to invitations to lead worship in various churches, marking the beginning of his shift toward a full-time gospel path. Soon after, he moved to the San Jose area, where he started leading worship in local congregations, laying the groundwork for his emergence as a prominent Christian music figure.[3]Worship Leadership and Recordings
In 1985, Ron Kenoly was appointed as worship pastor at Jubilee Christian Center in San Jose, California, where he led worship services and contributed to the church during a period of significant growth over his tenure until 1999.[6] By 1987, he had been ordained as Music Pastor, overseeing the entire music department and emphasizing participatory congregational worship.[8] In 1993, following the success of his early recordings, he was designated as the church's Ambassador of Music, a role that positioned him to extend his influence beyond the local congregation by consulting on worship practices and leading international sessions.[3] Kenoly's recording career gained significant momentum in the 1990s, marking his transition to a prominent figure in contemporary Christian music. His 1992 album Lift Him Up, recorded live, achieved breakthrough status as the fastest-selling worship album at the time, introducing anthemic songs that encouraged audience participation and sold over 500,000 copies.[8] This was followed by Welcome Home in 1996, which won the Dove Award for Praise and Worship Album of the Year in 1997 and topped Billboard's contemporary worship chart, further solidifying his impact on the genre.[9] These releases, produced under Integrity Music, emphasized scriptural themes and communal singing, influencing the broader evangelical praise and worship movement. In 1999, Kenoly relocated his ministry to Central Florida to facilitate expanded outreach, drawn by the region's accessibility for international travel.[10] From this base, he undertook global tours, visiting over 70 countries to lead worship events and teach on effective congregational praise, promoting a balance of excellence in music and heartfelt devotion.[8] His approach, which prioritized audience involvement over performance, shaped modern worship practices in evangelical churches worldwide. As of 2025, Kenoly continues his ministry through concerts, seminars, and recordings, including receiving the Premios Arpa Lifetime Achievement Award in September 2025 for his enduring contributions to Christian music.Musical Works
Discography
Ron Kenoly released his debut album in 1983, transitioning from secular influences to full-time gospel worship music by the early 1990s. His output includes a mix of studio and predominantly live recordings, emphasizing congregational praise and worship, with many produced in collaboration with Integrity Music's Hosanna! series. Over his career, he produced approximately 13 core albums from 1991 to 2015, alongside earlier and later works, before shifting focus primarily to live ministry events rather than new studio projects.[11][2][12]Studio Albums
Kenoly's studio efforts are fewer compared to his live recordings, often serving as personal or thematic expressions of faith.| Year | Title | Label | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | You Ought to Listen to This | Rainbow Sound Inc. | Debut album blending soul and gospel elements from his pre-worship career phase.[13] |
| 1991 | Jesus Is Alive | Integrity's Hosanna! Music | Early worship album recorded at his home church, marking his entry into Christian music.[14][15] |
| 2003 | Solo Para Ti | Right Hand Records | Spanish-language release targeting Latin American audiences.[16] |
| 2005 | Fill the Earth | Right Hand Records | Thematic focus on global worship, released independently.[16] |
| 2013 | Set Apart Is Your Name | Kenoly Family Music | Independent release emphasizing sacred name theology.[17] |
| 2015 | Set Apart Is Your Name YaHuWaH, Vol. 2 | Kenoly Family Music | Continuation of the 2013 album, self-produced.[18] |
Live Albums
The majority of Kenoly's discography consists of live worship albums, recorded during large-scale events to capture spontaneous praise.| Year | Title | Label | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Send Revival | Ron Kenoly Music & Ministry | Early independent cassette release focused on revival themes.[16] |
| 1992 | Lift Him Up | Integrity's Hosanna! Music | Breakthrough live recording; spent over 70 weeks on Billboard's Contemporary Christian chart.[16][3] |
| 1994 | God Is Able | Integrity's Hosanna! Music | Recorded live; peaked at No. 3 on Billboard Christian Albums chart.[16][19] |
| 1995 | Sing Out with One Voice | Integrity Music | Live worship set; reached No. 4 on Billboard Top Contemporary Christian Albums.[16][20] |
| 1996 | Welcome Home | Sparrow Records/Integrity Music | Major label debut; peaked at No. 9 on Billboard Christian Albums.[16][21][22] |
| 1998 | Majesty | Integrity's Hosanna! Music | Live recording emphasizing majestic worship themes.[16] |
| 1999 | We Offer Praises | Integrity's Hosanna! Music | Live album with congregational participation.[16] |
| 2001 | Dwell in the House | Integrity's Hosanna! Music | Final major-label live release, focusing on abiding in God's presence.[16] |
| 2010 | Christmas with Ron Kenoly | Worship Alliance | Holiday-themed live/studio hybrid.[23][24] |
Compilations and Other Works
Kenoly's compilations gather highlights from his live recordings, while other releases include targeted projects.| Year | Title | Label | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | High Places: The Best of Ron Kenoly | Integrity Music | Compilation of key tracks from earlier albums.[25][2] |
| 2020 | Ron Kenoly Collection (Live) | Integrity Music | Retrospective live compilation re-release.[26][27] |
