Acclaimed Jazz Musician Ken Peplowski Found Dead on Cruise Ship

Peplowski was scheduled to perform as part of the annual Jazz Cruise music festival at sea.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Ken Peplowski, a renowned jazz artist, was found dead in his cabin aboard the Celebrity Cruises' Summit ship during the annual Jazz Cruise music festival. Peplowski, who was 66 years old, was a no-show for a scheduled performance, prompting officials to search for him and discover his passing. The cause of death was not immediately given, but Peplowski had been battling multiple myeloma, a rare form of blood cancer, since 2021.

Why it matters

Peplowski was a highly respected and beloved figure in the international jazz community, known for his exceptional musicianship and quick-witted humor. His unexpected death has left the jazz world in mourning, as he was a regular performer at the annual Jazz Cruise festival and a key advisor for several jazz music events.

The details

According to reports, Peplowski's death was discovered when he did not show up for a scheduled performance as part of a quartet on the eight-day cruise, which departed from Fort Lauderdale, Florida on January 27th and was scheduled to make stops in the Bahamas and San Juan. Officials on the ship searched for Peplowski and found him dead in his cabin. The festival organizers later announced the news to the passengers, which was met with 'a lot of gasps and then silence'.

  • The cruise departed from Fort Lauderdale, Florida on January 27th, 2026.
  • Peplowski's death was discovered on February 1st, 2026.

The players

Ken Peplowski

A renowned jazz musician and performer who was scheduled to play as part of the annual Jazz Cruise music festival. Peplowski was 66 years old and had been battling multiple myeloma, a rare form of blood cancer, since 2021.

Michael Lazaroff

The executive director of Signature Cruise Experiences, the organizers of the Jazz Cruise music festival, who announced Peplowski's passing on Instagram.

Lee Mergner

Peplowski's longtime friend who wrote a tribute to the musician, describing his remarkable gifts, including his exceptional musicianship and quick-witted humor.

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What they’re saying

“We are sad to report that our dear friend Ken Peplowski died yesterday. Ken was a beloved member not only of The Jazz Cruise family, but of the larger international jazz community as well.”

— Michael Lazaroff, Executive Director, Signature Cruise Experiences (Instagram)

“He was a great musician, but he was also one of the very best entertainers ever. I do not know any musician who respected the bandstand more than Ken. He was always prepared, love performing with his fellow musicians, and, man, could he play!”

— Michael Lazaroff, Executive Director, Signature Cruise Experiences (Instagram)

“He battled the often fatal disease with a unique combination of courage, fortitude, and humor. After all, humor was just one of Ken's many remarkable gifts. He was without question the quickest and sharpest wit amongst all our artists. Ken always brought the joy to every gig or occasion. No one came away from a conversation with him without a laugh or smile. His humor was both incisive and self-deprecating. He would as easily make fun of you as he would himself. A truly rare combination.”

— Lee Mergner, Peplowski's Longtime Friend (WBGO)

What’s next

No immediate cause of death was given, and authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding Peplowski's passing.

The takeaway

The jazz community has lost a beloved and highly respected musician in Ken Peplowski, whose exceptional talent, quick wit, and dedication to his craft made him a cherished figure among his peers and fans. His unexpected death at the age of 66 has left a void that will be deeply felt across the industry.