Tributes have been paid to legendary Christian worship leader Dr Ron Kenoly, who’s died aged 81.His family confirmed on Tuesday he died peacefully in his sleep.

Kenoly, best known for global worship anthems such as ‘Anointing fall on me’ and ‘Ancient of days’, is known as one of the most influential figures in modern praise and worship.

Integrity Music, the music label he was signed to, said in a social media statement: “Ron was more than a powerful worship leader with a global platform. He was a shepherd, a teacher, and a man of deep integrity who carried the presence of God with sincerity, humility, and joy. Through his music, leadership, and discipleship, Ron taught the Church how to sing with faith, freedom, and conviction. His impact across nations and generations is unmatched, and his legacy will continue to lead the Church in praise for years to come.

“We are grateful for Ron’s legacy, his partnership with Integrity Music through the years, and the countless lives impacted through his obedience to God’s call. We extend our deepest love and prayers to Ron’s family, friends, and the many spiritual sons and daughters shaped by his life and ministry.”

Speaking to Premier Christian News, worship leader and broadcaster Muyiwa Olarewaju described Kenoly as a man who transformed Christian worship by pointing people consistently to Jesus.

“Ron Kenoly taught us to lift Him up, to lift Jesus up,” Muyiwa said. “He taught us how to come into God’s presence. He was an absolute legend, a man who broke barriers and invited all of us to come in and worship the King.”

The news of his death was announced on social media by Christian music producer Bruno Miranda. He said: “For over 20 years, I had the honor of walking alongside him in ministry around the world, not just as his music director, but as a son, a student, and a witness to a life marked by faithfulness.

“Doc was very intentional about one thing: he was never an artist, never an entertainer. He was a worship leader. And he took all the time necessary to explain what that truly meant. A worship leader’s calling is not to perform songs, but to lead people into true worship in the presence of a King; the King of Kings, Jesus Christ.”

Miranda added that he was inspired by Kenoly not only as a worship leader, but by his personal life too.

“Off the stage, Doc carried the same integrity, humility, and reverence for God that the world saw under the lights,” he said. “He taught me that worship begins long before the first note is played, shaped by obedience, character, and a deep fear of the Lord.”

Kenoly rose to prominence in the 1990s, long before contemporary worship filled arenas and stadiums.

Olarewaju said his influence crossed musical styles and cultures. “Before there were stadiums filled with modern anthems, there was Ron Kenoly,” he said. “Whether it was black gospel, contemporary or traditional, he stood firm. Our living rooms were filled with songs like ‘Lift him up’ and ‘Ancient of Days’.”

He said albums such as ‘Jesus is alive’ became foundational for a generation of worship leaders.

“For many of us, his albums weren’t just recordings, they were textbooks for our calling,” Muyiwa said. “He showed worship leaders that you could be high-energy and orchestrated, yet deeply intimate and scripturally grounded.

“There would be no Maverick City today without Ron Kenoly. There would be no Brandon Lake, no Michael W. Smith as we know them today — none of the great names without Ron Kenoly.”

American worship leader Martha Munizzi said in a Facebook post: “Ron Kenoly , friend, worship leader, legend. You gave us more than songs; you gave us moments with God. Your voice and your iconic songs helped us sing through our hardest and happiest days. I’ll always remember your heart, your humility, and the way your music drew us closer to Jesus.”

Source: Premier Christian News