The jazz world has lost a legend. Ken Peplowski, the beloved saxophonist and clarinetist known for his dazzling virtuosity and infectious stage presence, has passed away at 66. His body was discovered on a cruise ship after he failed to appear for a scheduled performance, leaving fans and fellow musicians heartbroken. But here's where it gets even more poignant: Peplowski's death comes after a five-year battle with multiple myeloma, a relentless cancer that originates in the bone marrow's plasma cells. This detail, shared by a close friend and former editorial head at jazz station WBGO, adds a layer of tragedy to an already somber story.
Peplowski was set to perform as part of a quartet on the annual Jazz Cruise, a floating music festival that brings together jazz enthusiasts and artists. However, when he didn't show up for his set, a search ensued, leading to the grim discovery in his cabin, as reported by a passenger to TMZ. The news was announced to cruise guests that evening, just before the main big band concert, met first with gasps, then a heavy silence.
Michael Lazaroff, executive director of the cruise company, paid tribute to Peplowski, calling him not just a great musician but 'one of the very best entertainers ever.' Lazaroff's Instagram statement further emphasized Peplowski's dedication to his craft: 'I do not know any musician who respected the bandstand more than Ken. He was always prepared, loved performing with his fellow musicians, and, man, could he play!' The Jazz Cruise has promised a 'more extensive remembrance' of Peplowski in the near future.
Born in Cleveland in 1959, Peplowski's musical journey began at age nine with the clarinet, encouraged by his policeman father, who also nudged his older brother into playing the trumpet. 'My father, probably fulfilling his own fantasies, had us form a polka band called the Harmony Kings,' Peplowski once quipped to Jazz Times, drawing a playful comparison to the Shmenge Brothers. By 12, he was already performing at Polish weddings and other events, earning enough to buy himself a car once he got his driver's license. 'The sad thing is that if you look at the real dollars, I was probably doing better then than now!' he joked in a recent interview.
Peplowski's big break came at 21 when he joined the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, a legendary ensemble from the Big Band Era. Though Dorsey himself had passed away in 1956, the orchestra remained a powerhouse, and it became a launching pad for Peplowski's illustrious career. He wasn’t just celebrated for his technical prowess but also for his cheeky rapport with audiences and fellow musicians. 'Listen, it’s okay to make fun of ourselves,' he once said. 'A lot of jazz is boring. A lot of it is self-important. And you could say that about any musical form—it’s okay to say that. Everything isn’t great just because it all falls under one umbrella.'
Peplowski also played alongside the late Benny Goodman, a jazz titan of the Big Band era. Goodman, who hired Peplowski in 1984 when he formed a new orchestra after retirement, was a complex figure. 'My personal take on him,' Peplowski reflected, 'is that he was a guy so wrapped up in the music that it sometimes was to the detriment of everything else in his life—personal feelings, relationships, how to deal with people on a day-to-day basis.' Yet, Peplowski acknowledged Goodman's generosity, recalling raises, thank-you letters, and even an offer to produce his record. 'I also saw him fire a bass player mid-rehearsal by just calling another guy and the other guy shows up,' he added. Despite Goodman's flaws, Peplowski admitted, 'As far as the music was concerned, I never played with anybody who could get such great results from a band.'
Diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2021, Peplowski faced the disease with a unique blend of courage, resilience, and humor. His friend Lee Mergner, in a heartfelt remembrance, wrote, '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.'
More than a decade ago, Peplowski shared a profound insight with the Min-On Concert Association in Japan: 'Music is my life. Jazz is like poetry: I don’t need to think, but just express myself. In a sense, that is improvisation. We can communicate with each other and unite through music.' His words resonate now more than ever, a testament to a life lived through music and shared with the world.
But here's the controversial part: While Peplowski's legacy is undeniable, his candid remarks about jazz being 'boring' or 'self-important' might ruffle some feathers. Do you agree with his assessment? Or do you think jazz, in all its forms, deserves unwavering reverence? Let us know in the comments—this is a discussion worth having.
