Celebrated Musician Jill Sobule Passes Away in Tragic House Fire

Jill Sobule, renowned for her hit "I Kissed a Girl," has died at 66 in a house fire. Known for her advocacy of LGBTQ+ rights, Sobule's music career spanned three decades, highlighting social issues through her lyrics. Tributes flood social media, reflecting her impact on music and culture.

Jill Sobule, a celebrated American musician and songwriter recognized for her influential contributions to music, has tragically passed away in a house fire in Minneapolis, her publicist confirmed. Sobule, whose breakout hit "I Kissed a Girl" is often lauded as the first openly-gay-themed song to reach the Billboard Top 20, was 66 years old at the time of her death. She was scheduled to perform in Denver, where she was set to highlight songs from her autobiographical stage musical, a poignant representation of her life's work.

Born in 1959, Sobule's career, which spanned over three decades, was characterized by her satirical and often thought-provoking lyrics, addressing topics as diverse as LGBTQ+ rights, anorexia, and the death penalty. Her songs "Supermodel" and "I Kissed a Girl" from her self-titled album released in 1995 remain iconic in popular culture, with the latter gaining renewed recognition in 2008 when Katy Perry released a song of the same name.

Throughout her career, Sobule was a trailblazer, notably pioneering the use of crowdfunding for album releases before it became mainstream. Besides her musical endeavors, she also composed scores for theatre and television, including the theme for Nickelodeon’s "Unfabulous." Tributes are pouring in from fans and fellow artists alike, with musician Lloyd Cole expressing his grief, stating: “We loved her. She loved us.” John Porter, her manager, highlighted her role as a "force of nature" and an advocate for human rights, expressing deep loss over her passing.

Canadian music correspondent Eric Alper noted Sobule’s ability to blend heart, humor, and honesty, asserting that her contributions significantly shifted the cultural landscape in music. American actress Carrie Coon also expressed sorrow, underscoring Sobule's unique essence within the music community. Investigations are ongoing by the police in Woodbury regarding the cause of the fire at the residence where Sobule was tragically found, as her music, influence, and legacy are fondly remembered by many around the world.