Singer-Songwriter Jill Sobule Dies in House Fire at 66

Minneapolis, MN – Jill Sobule, the groundbreaking singer-songwriter known for her 1995 hit “I Kissed a Girl,” died in a house fire early Thursday morning. She was 66. Sobule’s representative confirmed the news.

Over her three-decade career, Sobule released 12 albums and gained recognition for songs like “Supermodel” from the film “Clueless” and her recent autobiographical musical “Fuck 7th Grade,” which was nominated for a Drama Desk Award. The original cast recording of the musical is set to be released on June 6, along with a special reissue of her self-titled album.

Sobule was scheduled to perform at Swallow Hill Music’s Tuft Theater in her native Denver for a show titled “Jill Sobule Presents: Songs From Fuck 7th Grade & More.” However, instead of the performance, her friend Ron Bostwick will host an informal gathering in her memory.

Her manager, John Porter, expressed his sadness in a statement, saying, “Jill Sobule was a force of nature and a human rights advocate whose music is woven into our culture. I lost a client and a friend today. I hope her music, memory, and legacy continue to live on and inspire others.”

Ken Hertz, Sobule’s longtime attorney, described her as family, saying, “She showed up for every birth, every birthday, and every holiday.” Sobule performed at Hertz’s daughter’s wedding and engaged with their family throughout the pandemic.

Born in Denver in 1959, Sobule debuted with her album “Things Here Are Different” in 1990. She later signed with Atlantic Records in 1995, gaining success with her self-titled album. Throughout her career, Sobule tackled a variety of themes in her music, including societal issues and personal struggles.

In 2008, she became a pioneer in crowdfunding for albums, achieving her goal for the “California Years” album within two months. Her crowdfunding efforts continued with her 2019 album “Nostalgia Kills.”

A formal memorial service is planned for the summer to honor her life and contributions to music. She is survived by her brother, James Sobule, sister-in-law Mary Ellen Sobule, and her nephews.