Sobule's impact on music and culture, marked by her trailblazing anthem "I Kissed a Girl," resonates as tributes pour in from fans and friends alike.
Jill Sobule, Pioneering Musician and LGBTQ+ Advocate, Dies in Fire Tragedy
Jill Sobule, Pioneering Musician and LGBTQ+ Advocate, Dies in Fire Tragedy
In a devastating loss to the music world, Jill Sobule, celebrated for her groundbreaking openly-gay themes, has perished in a house fire at 66.
Jill Sobule, the iconic American singer-songwriter known for her hit "I Kissed a Girl," which broke barriers for openly-gay themes on the Billboard charts, has tragically died in a house fire in Minneapolis. The news was confirmed by her publicist, revealing the artist passed away at the age of 66. Sobule was scheduled to perform a concert in Denver featuring her latest songs, including those from her autobiographical stage musical. In light of her untimely death, a memorial gathering will be held in her honor.
Born in 1959, Sobule carved out a remarkable career over three decades, engaging with poignant topics such as social justice, personal struggles, and LGBTQ+ rights through her music. Her 1995 self-titled album featured notable tracks like "Supermodel," which was famously included in the coming-of-age film "Clueless." Notably, her song "I Kissed a Girl" gained additional recognition when Katy Perry released her own single of the same name in 2008, further proving Sobule's lasting influence.
Sobule was also a pioneer in the music industry for leveraging crowdfunding to produce her albums and contributed music to theater and television, including the theme for Nickelodeon's "Unfabulous." John Porter, her manager, expressed heartfelt sorrow, describing Sobule as a "force of nature" and a passionate advocate for human rights. Music correspondent Eric Alper hailed her contributions, noting that her heart, humor, and honesty paved the way for future artists.
Social media has been flooded with heartfelt tributes from across the music industry, with actress Carrie Coon recognizing Sobule as "so special" in her poignant message. Meanwhile, investigators in Woodbury are currently looking into the cause of the tragic fire. Sobule leaves behind a rich legacy that continues to inspire countless artists and fans worldwide.
