Jazz clarinetist and saxophonist Ken Peplowski was found dead in his cabin aboard a cruise ship in the Gulf of Mexico on February 2, 2026, after missing a scheduled performance. He was 66.
Peplowski was scheduled to perform with a quartet aboard The Jazz Cruise, an annual music festival held on the Celebrity Summit cruise ship. When he failed to appear for the show, a search was conducted that led to the discovery of his body in his cabin.
His death was announced to passengers before the big band concert later that evening. The ballroom audience gasped and then fell silent upon hearing the news.
Michael Lazaroff, executive director of The Jazz Cruise, paid tribute to the musician. “He was a great musician, but he was also one of the very best entertainers ever,” Lazaroff said.
Peplowski had been diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2021 and had battled the disease for five years.
Lee Mergner, formerly of WBGO radio station, noted that Peplowski faced his illness with characteristic spirit. “He battled the often fatal disease with a unique combination of courage, fortitude and humor,” Mergner said.
The Jazz Cruise announced plans for a more extensive remembrance of the performer. Lazaroff added that Peplowski exemplified dedication to his craft, stating the musician respected the bandstand more than anyone he knew, was always prepared, loved performing with fellow musicians, and possessed exceptional talent.
Born May 23, 1959, in Cleveland, Ohio, Kenneth Peplowski grew up in Garfield Heights, Ohio. His father, a police officer, encouraged musical pursuits in the family. Peplowski started playing clarinet at age 9, and by age 12 he was performing at weddings and other events.
His father organized a family polka band called the Harmony Kings, where the young clarinetist gained early professional experience. This early exposure to live performance and diverse musical styles would shape his approach to jazz throughout his career.
Peplowski studied clarinet at Cleveland State University before launching his professional career. At age 21, he joined the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, a prestigious ensemble that served as a proving ground for young jazz talent.
His breakthrough came in 1984 when he joined the Benny Goodman Orchestra. Peplowski remained with Benny Goodman until 1986. Working with Goodman provided invaluable experience and exposure, connecting Peplowski directly to the golden age of swing while allowing him to develop his distinctive voice on both clarinet and saxophone.
In 1987, Peplowski signed with Concord Records and released his debut album as a leader, “Double Exposure.” This marked the beginning of a prolific recording career that would span nearly four decades. Over his lifetime, he recorded over 70 albums as either leader or co-leader, establishing himself as one of the most recorded clarinetists in modern jazz.
His most recent studio album as a leader, “Unheard Bird,” was released in 2024. The project explored rarely heard Charlie Parker compositions and arrangements, demonstrating Peplowski’s range beyond traditional swing repertoire. In February 2023, he recorded “Live At Mezzrow,” a quartet performance at the intimate New York jazz club.
Peplowski’s health challenges extended beyond his cancer diagnosis. He had severe COVID in 2020 during the pandemic, which further complicated his ability to perform and tour. Despite these setbacks, he continued pursuing his musical career whenever possible.
Gianni Valenti, owner of Birdland Jazz Club, was a longtime friend of the musician. Birdland, one of New York’s most storied jazz venues, frequently featured Peplowski’s performances over the years, cementing his status as a fixture of the city’s jazz scene.
Throughout his career, Peplowski was known not only for his technical mastery of clarinet and saxophone but also for his warmth and humor as a performer. He brought an engaging stage presence to his performances, connecting with audiences through both virtuosic playing and personable interactions. His ability to balance serious musicianship with entertainment made him a favorite at jazz festivals, clubs, and cruise ship performances like The Jazz Cruise, where he had become a regular featured artist.
His death aboard The Jazz Cruise came during what passengers described as an otherwise celebratory voyage. The annual event brings together jazz enthusiasts and musicians for days of performances in an intimate setting, creating a community atmosphere rare in modern concert settings. Peplowski’s absence from his scheduled quartet performance immediately raised concerns among fellow musicians and crew who knew his professionalism and reliability.
The circumstances of his passing underscore both the demands and rewards of a touring musician’s life. Even while battling serious illness, Peplowski continued performing, sharing his artistry with audiences until his final days.