Ken Peplowski, a beloved musician and band leader, was found dead on a cruise ship earlier this month.
He was 66.
According to multiple reports, Peplowski was on a Jazz Cruise when he died on Feb. 2. WRTI reported that Peplowski had been living with multiple myeloma for five years.
“We did a bunch of three-clarinet things this week, and he sounded amazing,” pianist Emmet Cohen told WRTI. “Then on Monay morning, he and I had what they call a Coffee Talk. So basically at 9:45 in the morning, we sat down on the stage and about 100 people came out of their rooms to ask us questions, just chit-chatting about life and the clarinet. Then he said, ‘I have a gig this afternoon,’ and went to his cabin to rest.
“He never made it to the gig.”
WRTI called Peplowski “a prominent voice in acoustic jazz across five decades.” The outlet said that Peplowski played on more than 400 albums and worked with the likes of Hank Jones, Charlie Byrd, Rosemary Clooney and Mel Torme.
There were plenty of remembrances shared across social media following the news of his death.
“We lost one of the greats,” the JPParentmusic.com account on X wrote. “Ken Peplowski was a giant in the world of jazz. He achieved a tone with his clarinet and sax that was unrivaled. Being in the audience for his shows left you feeling you were hearing something historic. Thanks for making the world more beautiful kid.”
“God Bless You Ken Peplowski,” Rebecca Stevenson wrote on X. “Your friendship was a highlight to me and your musical talent unmatched. I am so very sad to know you left earth to serenade the angels. I thought I’d hear you in Vancouver, but your music is always in my heart.”
Longtime musician found dead on cruise ship. Here’s what we know.
