American singer-songwriter Jill Sobule has died in a house fire in Woodbury, Minnesota, her publicist has confirmed. She was 66.
Sobule rose to fame in the 1990s with her witty and socially conscious songwriting. Her 1995 hit “I Kissed a Girl” is widely considered the first openly gay-themed song to break into the Billboard Top 20, paving the way for broader LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream music.
That same year, her satirical anthem “Supermodel” became a pop culture staple after featuring in the coming-of-age comedy Clueless. Her music often balanced humor with serious themes, including anorexia, the death penalty, and identity.
Born in 1959, Sobule enjoyed a career that spanned more than three decades. Though she experienced moments of commercial success, she remained dedicated to lyrical honesty and tackling complex social issues through her art.
She was also a pioneer of fan-funded music, becoming one of the first independent artists to use crowdfunding to finance her albums. Her success in that space opened new doors for musicians seeking alternatives to the traditional record label model.
In addition to music, Sobule composed for theater and television, including the theme for Nickelodeon’s Unfabulous. At the time of her death, she was preparing to perform in Denver, Colorado, to debut songs from her autobiographical stage musical.
A public memorial will now take place in Denver to honor her life and work. The event will be free for fans, friends, and the music community to attend.
Tributes have poured in from around the world. English singer Lloyd Cole said, “I’m really too numb to post much of anything. We loved her. She loved us.” American actress Carrie Coon wrote, “Jill Sobule was so special. Heartbreaking news.”
Her longtime manager, John Porter, expressed his deep sorrow: “She was a force of nature and human rights advocate whose music is woven into our culture. I lost a client and a friend today.”
Canadian music commentator Eric Alper added, “She paved the way with heart, humor, and honesty. Jill Sobule changed the soundtrack and the conversation.”
Authorities in Woodbury are investigating the cause of the fire that claimed Sobule’s life. Details about what caused the blaze have not yet been released, according to the Star Tribune.
