By Joke Kujenya
PASSING OF American Christian worship leader, singer and songwriter Ron Kenoly has been confirmed at the age of 81.
JKNewsMedia.com reports that his demise was confirmed by Bruno Miranda, his music director, through a post shared on the singer’s official Instagram page.
The statement said the celebrated singer and songwriter passed peacefully away on February 3 but the cause of death was not disclosed.
Born on December 6, 1944, in Coffeyville, Kansas, Kenoly became one of the most influential figures in contemporary worship music, blending gospel, praise and Christian music in a way that inspired congregations globally.
His breakthrough came in the early 1990s with the release of Lift Him Up, described as one of the fastest selling live worship albums of its time.
He followed with projects including God Is Able, Welcome Home and Sing Out With One Voice.
Kenoly was widely regarded as one of the pioneers of contemporary worship music and rose to global prominence in the 1990s with songs that shaped modern Christian worship and earned him an international following.
He was celebrated for songs such as Majesty, Righteousness, Peace and Joy, Anointing, All Honour and Sing Out.
His death was also confirmed by several artistes and worship leaders through social media tributes.
Nigeria’s gospel minister Nathaniel Bassey described Kenoly as an inspirational and generational voice who inspired countless psalmists and worship leaders.
