Renowned Jazz Clarinetist and Saxophonist Ken Peplowski Dies on Cruise Ship Ahead of Performance

Peplowski died suddenly at age 66 while sailing on ‘The Jazz Cruise ’26,’ a seven-day charter dedicated to over 200 hours of jazz music and headline performers.

The Zaandam cruise ship is anchored in the bay of Panama City on March 27, 2020. Arnulfo Franco

The jazz world is mourning the loss of renowned musician Ken Peplowski after he suddenly died while on board a cruise ship where he was scheduled to perform.

On Feb. 1, the 66-year-old was found dead in his cabin while sailing on the “Celebrity Summit” during the final day of The Jazz Cruise ’26, a seven-day charter featuring more than 100 top jazz musicians.