Jill Sobule, celebrated for her iconic hit "I Kissed a Girl" and her contributions to music and LGBTQ+ rights, has died in a house fire at the age of 66. Tributes flood in as her legacy and influence on the music scene are remembered.
Musical Trailblazer Jill Sobule Passes Away in House Fire
Musical Trailblazer Jill Sobule Passes Away in House Fire
The influential singer-songwriter, renowned for her groundbreaking LGBTQ+ anthems, tragically dies at 66 in Minneapolis.
Groundbreaking American musician Jill Sobule, celebrated for her significant contributions to music and LGBTQ+ rights, tragically passed away in a house fire in Minneapolis. She was 66 years old. Sobule is best known for her hit song "I Kissed a Girl," which is often credited as the first openly-gay song to break into the Billboard Top 20 charts. Her publicist confirmed her passing, which has sent shockwaves throughout the music community.
Known for her satirical anthem "Supermodel," featured in the iconic 1995 film "Clueless," Sobule was set to perform in her hometown of Denver just days before her untimely death. A free gathering will be held in her honor, reflecting the outpouring of grief and respect from fans and fellow musicians alike. English musician Lloyd Cole shared his sorrow on social media, expressing how numb he felt, adding, "We loved her. She loved us."
Born in 1959, Sobule's career spanned over three decades, and her lyrics often tackled serious issues such as the death penalty, anorexia, and human rights. Her self-titled 1995 album, which included both "Supermodel" and "I Kissed a Girl," remains a cornerstone of her legacy. The latter song gained renewed popularity in 2008 after Katy Perry released a different song with the same title.
Apart from her commercial success, Sobule was a pioneer in utilizing crowdfunding to produce her albums and had a significant presence in both theater and television, writing tunes for productions such as Nickelodeon's "Unfabulous." John Porter, her manager, described her as a "force of nature and human rights advocate," lamenting the loss of both a client and a close friend. He hopes that her music and legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
Canadian music correspondent Eric Alper highlighted Sobule's influence, commenting that she brought "heart, humour, and honesty" to her work, paving the way for other artists. American actress Carrie Coon also expressed her heartbreak over Sobule's passing, noting how special she was. Currently, investigations are underway by local authorities to determine the cause of the fire at her residence in Woodbury, Minnesota, where she was found.
