Jill Sobule, the pioneering American songwriter renowned for her hit "I Kissed a Girl," which is celebrated as one of the first openly-gay songs to enter the Billboard Top 20, has tragically passed away in a house fire in Minneapolis. She was 66 years old. Originally scheduled to perform in Denver, she was in the midst of promoting her songs from an autobiographical stage musical at the time of her untimely death, according to her publicist.
Sobule's music career, spanning over three decades, included notable tunes like "Supermodel," which gained popularity after being featured in the 1995 film "Clueless." The news of her passing has prompted a flood of tributes on social media, reflecting the profound impact she had on musicians and fans alike. English musician Lloyd Cole expressed his grief, stating, "I'm really too numb to post much of anything. We loved her. She loved us."
Born in 1959, Sobule tackled a variety of topics in her music, including social justice issues such as the death penalty, anorexia, and LGBTQ+ rights. Her eponymous 1995 album is particularly regarded for its candid exploration of identity and relationships. Her single "I Kissed a Girl" received renewed attention when Katy Perry released a song of the same name in 2008.
Beyond her music, Sobule was also a trailblazer in the crowdfunding movement, using it to support her album releases and writing for various theater and television productions, including the theme for Nickelodeon's "Unfabulous." John Porter, Sobule's manager, remembered her as a "force of nature and human rights advocate," conveying the deep sense of loss felt by those who knew her.
Eric Alper, a Canadian music journalist, echoed this sentiment, praising her contributions to the music landscape. He remarked, "She paved the way with heart, humour, and honesty," noting her role in transforming cultural narratives through her art. Actress Carrie Coon called her a "special" talent and shared her heartbreak over the loss.
Investigators from the Woodbury police department are currently looking into the circumstances surrounding the fire in which Sobule was found, as the community remembers her impactful legacy and the inspiration she provided to many.
