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Ron Kenoly
Born (1944-12-06) December 6, 1944 (age 80)
Origin Coffeyville, Kansas, U.S.
Genres Contemporary worship music, gospel
Occupation(s) Worship leader, singer, songwriter
Instruments Vocals, guitar
Years active 1968–present
Labels Integrity

Ron Kenoly, born on December 6, 1944, is an American Christian singer and songwriter. He is well-known for leading worship music.

Ron Kenoly has earned several college degrees. These include a music degree and a Master of Divinity. He also has a Doctorate in Ministry focusing on sacred music. His music career started after he served in the United States Air Force.

He was first part of a group called The Mellow Fellows. Later, he left the group due to family reasons. His big break in music came in 1992. His album Lift Him Up sold very quickly. Another album, Welcome Home, was also very popular. It became a top contemporary worship music album on Billboard. In 1997, it won a Gospel Music Association Dove Award.

Ron Kenoly's Life and Music

Early Life and Dreams

Ron Kenoly was born and grew up in Coffeyville, Kansas. His mother, Edith Kenoly, prayed for him even before he was born. She hoped he would praise God through his life.

From a young age, Ron was interested in music. He remembered seeing famous Black performers like Sammy Davis Jr. and Nat King Cole. Watching them on stage inspired him greatly. He knew then that he wanted to be a performer too.

Music Journey Begins

After high school, Ron moved to Hollywood, California. He joined the United States Air Force from 1965 to 1968. While in the Air Force, he sang in a band called The Mellow Fellows. They played popular songs and toured military bases.

After leaving the Air Force, he went back to Los Angeles. He continued to work on his music career. He recorded demo songs for different labels. He even signed with A&M Records. For a time, he used the stage name Ron Keith. He recorded R&B songs during this period.

Ron Kenoly also sang with Candy Rae. They were the first artists signed to George Semper's Inner City label. Their song "Lovely Weekend" sold almost 200,000 copies.

Becoming a Worship Leader

Later, Ron Kenoly decided to stop recording secular music. He wanted to make Christian music instead. In 1983, he released his first Christian album, You Ought to Listen to This.

He began leading praise and worship for church leaders. This led him to Pastor Dick Bernal. Pastor Bernal was the founder of Jubilee Christian Center in San Jose, California.

In 1985, Ron Kenoly became a full-time Christian minister. He worked as the worship leader at Jubilee Christian Center. He focused on leading music for church services. In 1987, he became the Music Pastor. This meant he was in charge of the church's music department.

Later Years and Ministry

By 1993, Ron Kenoly was named the Ambassador of Music for Jubilee Christian Center. He started helping churches across the United States. He taught them how to build their own music programs. In 1996, he received his Doctorate in Ministry of Sacred Music.

In 1999, Ron Kenoly moved to Central Florida. He continues to travel, speak, sing, and teach. He has also written some books. One of his books was co-written with Pastor Dick Bernal.

Ron Kenoly's Albums

Here is a list of albums Ron Kenoly has released:

  • 1983: You Ought to Listen to This
  • 1991: Jesus Is Alive
  • 1992: Lift Him Up with Ron Kenoly
  • 1994: God Is Able
  • 1995: Sing Out with One Voice
  • 1996: Welcome Home
  • 1997: High Places: The Best of Ron Kenoly
  • 1998: Majesty
  • 1999: We Offer Praises
  • 2001: Dwell in the House
  • 2002: The Perfect Gift
  • 2005: Fill the Earth
  • 2005: Lift Him Up Collection
  • 2008: Powerful Hymns My Mother Sang
  • 2009: Solo Para Ti
  • 2010: Christmas with Ron Kenoly
  • 2013: Set Apart Is Your Name Yahuwah Vol.1
  • 2014: Set Apart Is Your Name Yahuwah Vol.2 featuring David Hunter
  • 2019: Kabiosi (live in London)

Popular Songs He Wrote

Ron Kenoly has written or helped write many songs. Here are some of them:

  • From Jesus Is Alive (1991):
    • "Jesus Is Alive"
    • "Keeper of My Heart"
  • From Lift Him Up with Ron Kenoly (1992):
    • "Hallowed Be Your Name"
    • "We're Going Up to the High Places"
  • From God Is Able (1994):
    • "Our God Is Able (Rap)"
    • "Use Me"
  • From Sing Out with One Voice (1995):
    • "Joyfully, Joyfully"
    • "Give to the Lord"
  • From Welcome Home (1996):
    • "Go Ahead"
    • "Heal Their Land"
    • "I Testify Today"
    • "Welcome Home"
    • "I Love To Love You Lord"
    • "Lord I Magnify"
  • From Majesty (1998):
    • "Hallelujah to the King of Kings"
    • "The King of Kings Is Coming"
    • "Return To Righteousness America"
  • From We Offer Praises (1999):
    • "We Offer Praises"
    • "It Is Good"
    • "Joshua Generation"
    • "I Still Have Joy"
  • From Dwell in the House (2001):
    • "Praise Him"
    • "All The Way"

Movies and Family

His Family

Ron Kenoly met his first wife, Tavita, while he was in the military. They were married for 42 years. They had three sons together: Samuel, Ronald, and Tony.

Ron Kenoly's cousin is the famous American actor Don Cheadle. Since November 24, 2014, Ron Kenoly has been married to his current wife, Diana. She is a United Nations Ambassador.

Ron Kenoly also appeared in a movie.

  • 2010 - The Bill Collector

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Ron Kenoly para niños

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