Jill Sobule Dies At 66 In Minnesota House Fire: Remembering The 'I Kissed A Girl' Singer-Songwriter

Jill Sobule, the acclaimed singer-songwriter celebrated for her pioneering LGBTQ+ anthem “I Kissed a Girl,” tragically passed away at the age of 66 due to a house fire in Woodbury, Minnesota. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Her manager, John Porter, described her as “a force of nature and human rights advocate” whose music is deeply woven into cultural fabric. He expressed profound personal loss, stating, “I lost a client and a friend today. I hope her music, memory, and legacy continue to live on and inspire others.”

Sobule was scheduled to perform in Denver the following night; instead, the event transformed into a tribute to her life and work. A formal memorial is planned for later this summer.

Throughout her three-decade career, Sobule released 12 albums addressing complex themes such as the death penalty, anorexia nervosa, reproductive rights, and LGBTQ+ issues. Her debut album, “Things Here Are Different,” was released in 1990. She gained widespread recognition in 1995 with her hit singles “Supermodel,” featured in the film “Clueless,” and “I Kissed a Girl,” which, despite being banned by several southern radio stations, reached the Billboard Top 20 in the US.

In 2008, after facing challenges with major record companies and indie labels, Sobule turned to crowdfunding, raising tens of thousands of dollars from fans to produce a new album, showcasing her innovative approach to music production.

Sobule also starred in an autobiographical off-Broadway musical, “F*ck 7th Grade,” which premiered in 2022 and featured songs and stories about her life. The musical was nominated for a Drama Desk Award, and a cast recording is set for release next month. EW.com+3Vulture+3New York Post+3

Born in Denver, Colorado, on January 16, 1959, Sobule performed with artists including Neil Young, Cyndi Lauper, and Billy Bragg. She was known for her spontaneous live shows, often performing without a set list. In 2019, she made a cameo on an episode of “The Simpsons.”

In a 2023 interview with The Associated Press, she reflected on her career, stating, “In a good way, I feel like I’m still a rookie. There’s so much more to do, and I haven’t done my best yet.”

Sobule is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, James and Mary Ellen Sobule, as well as her nephews and cousins.

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