Jill Sobule, an iconic American musician, has died at the age of 66 in a house fire in Minneapolis, her publicist confirmed. Sobule was renowned for her contributions to music in the 1990s, notably with her hits "I Kissed a Girl," which made waves as one of the first openly gay-themed songs to reach the Billboard Top 20, and the satirical anthem "Supermodel," featured in the beloved film Clueless.
Originally scheduled to perform in Denver this Friday, Sobule's untimely death has led to the organization of a tribute gathering in her honor. The news of her passing has generated a wave of tributes on social media, with notable figures like musician Lloyd Cole expressing deep sorrow over her loss and reflecting on the bond between Sobule and her audience.
Born in 1959, Sobule's impressive career spanned over three decades, during which she tackled significant cultural issues such as the death penalty, body image, and LGBTQ+ rights. Her self-titled 1995 album, featuring tracks like "Supermodel" and "I Kissed a Girl," marked a major turning point in music history, with the latter gaining renewed attention when Katy Perry released her own single of the same name in 2008.
In addition to her music career, Sobule was a pioneer in crowdfunding for album releases and composed music for various theater productions and television, including the theme for Nickelodeon’s Unfabulous. John Porter, her manager, described Sobule as a “force of nature” and a passionate advocate for human rights, lamenting the loss of both a client and a dear friend.
Canadian music correspondent Eric Alper highlighted her role in reshaping the musical landscape, emphasizing Sobule’s heart, humor, and honesty through her art. Actress Carrie Coon also expressed her grief over the loss of such a unique talent. Meanwhile, authorities in Woodbury are investigating the cause of the fire that took Sobule's life, as the music community mourns the legacy of an artist whose work resonated deeply with many.
