*The music world mourns the loss of Jill Sobule, whose influence on pop culture and contributions to LGBTQ+ rights are celebrated as fans and fellow musicians pay tribute to her groundbreaking legacy.*
**Tributes Flow as Groundbreaking Musician Jill Sobule Passes Away in Tragic Fire**
**Tributes Flow as Groundbreaking Musician Jill Sobule Passes Away in Tragic Fire**
*Jill Sobule, known for her iconic hits and LGBTQ+ advocacy, tragically loses her life in a house fire at 66.*
Jill Sobule, the trailblazing American artist renowned for her pioneering song "I Kissed a Girl," which is credited as the first openly-gay-themed track to reach the Billboard Top 20, has passed away due to a house fire in Minneapolis. Her publicist confirmed the heartbreaking news. She was 66 years old. Sobule was preparing to perform in Denver this Friday, sharing songs from her autobiographical stage musical.
Famed for her satirical hit "Supermodel," featured in the beloved 1995 film "Clueless," Sobule's death has elicited a flood of tributes on social media. Among those expressing their grief was English musician Lloyd Cole, who shared, “I'm really too numb to post much of anything. We loved her. She loved us.”
Born in 1959, Sobule made an indelible mark on the music scene over her prolific three-decade career, using her platform to address poignant issues such as the death penalty, anorexia, and the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. Her 1995 self-titled album remains a cornerstone of her legacy. Her song "I Kissed a Girl" gained a new resonance in 2008 when Katy Perry released her own single with the same name.
Sobule also revolutionized music funding by embracing crowdfunding for her album releases and contributed to various projects in theatre and television, including composing the theme for Nickelodeon's "Unfabulous." Her manager, John Porter, reflecting on her impact, described her as a "force of nature and human rights advocate," adding, "I lost a client & a friend today."
Eric Alper, a Canadian music commentator, praised Sobule for paving the way in the music industry with "heart, humour, and honesty." American actress Carrie Coon also expressed her sadness, calling the news "heartbreaking."
Authorities in Woodbury are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the fire that took her life, according to reports from the Star Tribune. Sobule's music and legacy are expected to endure, inspiring countless artists and fans.
