Jill Sobule, a groundbreaking American songwriter known for her hit I Kissed a Girl, which is widely regarded as the first song with openly-gay themes to chart in the Billboard Top 20, tragically died in a house fire in Minneapolis. The news was confirmed by her publicist.
Sobule, who was 66, had a successful career spanning three decades. Her satirical anthem Supermodel was featured in the 1995 coming-of-age film Clueless.
The songwriter was set to perform in Denver to showcase songs from her autobiographical stage musical. In response to her passing, a free gathering will be held in her honor.
Tributes have been flooding social media, with many expressing their grief and admiration for Sobule’s work and legacy. English musician Lloyd Cole expressed his condolences, stating, “We loved her. She loved us.”
Jill Sobule, born in 1959, enjoyed a remarkable career characterized by her thought-provoking lyrics that addressed topics such as the death penalty, anorexia, and LGBTQ+ rights.
Her 1995 eponymous album, featuring Supermodel and I Kissed a Girl, marked the peak of her success. The latter song gained renewed attention in 2008 when Katy Perry released a song of the same title.
Sobule was also a pioneer in using crowdfunding to release her albums and composed music for theater and television, including the theme for Nickelodeon’s Unfabulous.
John Porter, Sobule’s manager, described her as a force of nature and a human rights advocate whose music left an indelible mark on culture. He added, “I lost a client and a friend today.”
Eric Alper, a Canadian music correspondent, praised Sobule for “paving the way with heart, humor, and honesty” and acknowledged her influence on the music industry and conversation around openly-gay themes.
Actress Carrie Coon expressed her heartbreak at the news of Sobule’s passing. Police in the suburb of Woodbury are currently investigating the cause of the fire that resulted in her death.
