On February 2, 2026, famed jazz musician Ken Peplowski, known for his skills on the clarinet and saxophone, was discovered deceased in his cabin on a cruise ship in the Gulf of Mexico. The 66-year-old musician was absent from a scheduled performance, leading to the tragic discovery.
Peplowski was set to perform as part of a quartet during The Jazz Cruise, an annual music festival that takes place on the Celebrity Summit cruise ship. His nonappearance at the performance initiated a search, which led to the unfortunate finding of his body in his cabin.
His death was announced to the passengers prior to the evening’s big band concert, leading to collective gasps followed by silence from the audience in the ballroom.
The executive director of The Jazz Cruise, Michael Lazaroff, eulogized the late musician. Lazaroff stated, “He was a great musician, but he was also one of the very best entertainers ever.”
In 2021, Peplowski was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a disease he bravely battled for the following five years.
Lee Mergner, previously affiliated with the WBGO radio station, noted that Peplowski faced his disease with a unique blend of bravery, strength, and humor.
Plans for a comprehensive tribute to the late performer were announced by The Jazz Cruise. Lazaroff also emphasized Peplowski’s commitment to his craft, noting the musician’s respect for the bandstand, preparedness, love for performing, and exceptional talent.
Peplowski, born Kenneth Peplowski on May 23, 1959, in Cleveland, Ohio, was raised in nearby Garfield Heights. His policeman father fostered a love of music in the family. Peplowski started playing the clarinet at nine, and was performing at weddings and other events by the age of 12.
A family polka band, the Harmony Kings, was initiated by his father. This provided Peplowski with early professional experience and influenced his approach to jazz throughout his career.
After studying clarinet at Cleveland State University, Peplowski began his professional career by joining the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra at the age of 21, an esteemed ensemble known for nurturing young jazz talent.
His career took a significant turn in 1984 when he joined the Benny Goodman Orchestra, where he stayed until 1986. This tenure allowed him to hone his unique style on both the clarinet and saxophone while connecting him with the golden era of swing.
In 1987, Peplowski signed with Concord Records and released his debut album as a leader, “Double Exposure.” During his career, he recorded over 70 albums, marking him as one of the most recorded clarinetists in modern jazz.
The clarinetist’s latest studio album, “Unheard Bird,” was released in 2024 and featured lesser-known compositions by Charlie Parker. In 2023, he recorded “Live At Mezzrow,” a performance at the intimate New York jazz club.
Peplowski’s health struggles were not limited to his cancer diagnosis. He suffered from severe COVID-19 in 2020, which further impeded his ability to perform and tour. Despite these challenges, he continued to pursue his musical career as much as possible.
Gianni Valenti, owner of Birdland Jazz Club, a frequent venue for Peplowski’s performances, was a close friend of the musician. Peplowski’s frequent performances at Birdland made him a staple of New York’s vibrant jazz scene.
Throughout his career, Peplowski was admired for his technical proficiency on the clarinet and saxophone, and his engaging stage presence. His ability to harmonize serious musicianship with entertainment made him a beloved presence at jazz festivals, clubs, and cruise ship performances, including The Jazz Cruise where he was a regular performer.
The tragic news of his death came during what many passengers described as an otherwise festive journey. The Jazz Cruise is an annual event that fosters a sense of community among jazz enthusiasts through days of intimate performances. The absence of Peplowski from his scheduled quartet performance was immediately noticed due to his known professionalism and dependability.
