Jill Sobule, Iconic Singer-Songwriter, Dies in House Fire

Minneapolis, Minnesota – Jill Sobule, a celebrated singer-songwriter best known for her groundbreaking hit “I Kissed a Girl,” died early Thursday morning in a house fire. She was 66 years old. The news was confirmed by her publicist, who stated that authorities are currently investigating the cause of the fire.

Sobule was found in her home in Woodbury, a suburb located about 20 miles east of Minneapolis. She had been scheduled to perform on Friday in her hometown of Denver, Colorado, to showcase songs from her new autobiographical musical, “F*ck 7th Grade.” In light of her passing, her friends will host an informal gathering in her memory.

<p"Jill was a force of nature and a human rights advocate whose music is woven into our culture," said her manager, John Porter, in a heartfelt statement. “I lost a client and a friend today. I hope her music, memory, and legacy continue to inspire others.”

Sobule’s influential career spanned more than three decades during which she released twelve albums. She gained fame in the 1990s, particularly with her songs “I Kissed a Girl” and “Supermodel” from the film “Clueless.” The former was among the first openly gay-themed songs to enter the Billboard Top 20, peaking at No. 20 in 1995.

Sobule’s music often addressed serious topics, including LGBTQ+ rights, body image, and political issues. She was known for her innovative approaches to music production, including using crowdfunding in 2008 to finance her album “California Years,” well before crowdfunding became a mainstream method for artists.

Friends, colleagues, and fans have taken to social media to pay tribute. Canadian music correspondent Eric Alper remarked that Sobule “paved the way with heart, humor, and honesty,” adding that her contributions changed the music landscape.

A formal memorial service to honor her legacy is planned for the summer, according to her publicist. Sobule is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, James and Mary Ellen Sobule, as well as her nephews and extended family.