Jazz Musician Ken Peplowski Found Dead on Cruise Ship After Missing Performance
Renowned American jazz musician Ken Peplowski, celebrated for his masterful clarinet and tenor saxophone performances, has died at the age of 66 while aboard a cruise ship where he was scheduled to play. His sudden passing has shocked the jazz community and fans around the world.
Peplowski was found dead in his cabin on February 1, 2026, during the final day of The Jazz Cruise ’26, a week-long music voyage aboard the Celebrity Summit sailing in the Gulf of Mexico. The musician’s death was discovered after he failed to show up for an afternoon performance with a quartet as scheduled. When crew and fellow performers went searching, they found him unresponsive in his cabin.
A Sudden Loss at Sea
Organizers of The Jazz Cruise confirmed the tragic news in a statement to passengers and later in blog posts online. The cruise, which had embarked from Fort Lauderdale, Florida on January 27, brought together nearly 100 jazz musicians for performances and jam sessions throughout the week. Peplowski was one of the event’s standout artists.
Michael Lazaroff, executive director of Signature Cruise Experiences, said in a message announcing Peplowski’s death that he was “a great musician, but he was also one of the very best entertainers ever.” He added that Peplowski’s absence from a scheduled 4 PM show featuring his longtime friend and collaborator Shelly Berg alarmed his fellow musicians, leading to the discovery of his death.
A Legacy in Jazz
Born on May 23, 1959, in Cleveland, Ohio, Peplowski was widely respected as one of his generation’s most versatile jazz players. Over a career spanning five decades, he became known for his deep command of both swing and mainstream jazz styles, as well as his charismatic presence on stage. He worked with legendary figures in jazz, and his collaborations included performances with artists across genres.
Peplowski’s music career included serving as music director for jazz festivals such as the Oregon Coast Jazz Party and contributions as jazz advisor to the Oregon Festival of American Music. Throughout his life, he also recorded extensively and performed at major venues worldwide.
Despite a public battle with multiple myeloma, a rare form of blood cancer diagnosed in 2021, Peplowski remained active in performance and continued to play with passion and skill up until his final days.
Community Reaction and Remembrance
News of Peplowski’s death was met with an outpouring of grief from fans and fellow artists alike. Many took to social media to share memories of his music, his humor, and his generous spirit. Organizers of The Jazz Cruise have indicated that more extensive tributes and commemorations are planned in the days ahead.
At the time of his passing, Peplowski was not only a beloved figure to those who knew him personally but also a respected mentor to younger players drawn to his unique voice and dedication to jazz.
