Jill Sobule, the pioneering musician behind the iconic song "I Kissed a Girl," tragically passed away in a fire at her home in Minneapolis. At the age of 66, Sobule was well-known for her sharp satire and advocacy for human rights, inspiring countless artists and fans throughout her remarkable career.
Jill Sobule: Trailblazing Musician and Advocate Dies in Tragic Fire
Jill Sobule: Trailblazing Musician and Advocate Dies in Tragic Fire
Renowned songwriter Jill Sobule, known for her groundbreaking contributions to music and LGBTQ+ rights, dies in a house fire at age 66.
In a devastating loss to the music community, Jill Sobule, widely recognized for her anthem "I Kissed a Girl," has died in a house fire in Minneapolis, as confirmed by her publicist. The 66-year-old artist, known for her unique blend of wit and poignancy in songwriting, was set to perform in Denver the day after her untimely death, promoting her autobiographical stage musical. In light of her passing, a free tribute event is planned to celebrate her legacy.
Born in 1959, Sobule gained prominence in the 1990s with her self-titled album, which included the legendary singles "Supermodel" and "I Kissed a Girl." The latter is notable for being among the first mainstream songs with openly-gay themes to enter the Billboard Top 20. Sobule's music often addressed pressing social issues such as LGBTQ+ rights, the death penalty, and body image, marking her as a voice for change. Her contributions extended beyond music; she was a pioneer in crowdfunding for album releases and also wrote for theater and television, including the theme for Nickelodeon's show "Unfabulous."
As tributes flooded social media, many, including fellow musicians and actors, expressed their sorrow and remembrance. John Porter, Sobule's manager, emphasized her role as a "force of nature" and a passionate advocate for human rights. He reflected on their collaboration and expressed hope for her music and legacy to continue inspiring future generations.
Eric Alper, a Canadian music correspondent, praised Sobule for her trailblazing role as the first openly gay artist to achieve Top 20 success on the Billboard charts, citing how her songs reshaped the cultural narrative. Actress Carrie Coon added her heartfelt sentiments over the loss, highlighting Sobule's uniqueness and impact on the music scene.
The cause of the fire that took Sobule's life is currently under investigation by police in Woodbury, Minnesota, as fans and fellow artists mourn the loss of a beloved icon whose sound and spirit left a profound mark on the industry.
Born in 1959, Sobule gained prominence in the 1990s with her self-titled album, which included the legendary singles "Supermodel" and "I Kissed a Girl." The latter is notable for being among the first mainstream songs with openly-gay themes to enter the Billboard Top 20. Sobule's music often addressed pressing social issues such as LGBTQ+ rights, the death penalty, and body image, marking her as a voice for change. Her contributions extended beyond music; she was a pioneer in crowdfunding for album releases and also wrote for theater and television, including the theme for Nickelodeon's show "Unfabulous."
As tributes flooded social media, many, including fellow musicians and actors, expressed their sorrow and remembrance. John Porter, Sobule's manager, emphasized her role as a "force of nature" and a passionate advocate for human rights. He reflected on their collaboration and expressed hope for her music and legacy to continue inspiring future generations.
Eric Alper, a Canadian music correspondent, praised Sobule for her trailblazing role as the first openly gay artist to achieve Top 20 success on the Billboard charts, citing how her songs reshaped the cultural narrative. Actress Carrie Coon added her heartfelt sentiments over the loss, highlighting Sobule's uniqueness and impact on the music scene.
The cause of the fire that took Sobule's life is currently under investigation by police in Woodbury, Minnesota, as fans and fellow artists mourn the loss of a beloved icon whose sound and spirit left a profound mark on the industry.
