Jill Sobule, the iconic American songwriter best known for her groundbreaking hit "I Kissed a Girl," which made history as the first openly-gay themed song to enter the Billboard Top 20, tragically passed away in a house fire in Minneapolis, as confirmed by her publicist. She was 66. Sobule was scheduled to perform in Denver, showcasing songs from her autobiographical stage musical, a reunion that now sadly culminates in a memorial gathering instead.
Social media has been flooded with tributes to the artist, including heartfelt remembrances from fellow musicians like Lloyd Cole, who expressed his disbelief and love for Sobule, stating, “We loved her. She loved us.” Born in 1959, Sobule's three-decade career traversed numerous themes such as the death penalty, anorexia, and LGBTQ+ rights. Her self-titled 1995 album featured her most acclaimed tracks, including “Supermodel,” recognized in the popular film Clueless and revitalized by pop culture over the years.
Sobule was also a forerunner in employing crowdfunding for her music projects and contributed to theater and television, writing the theme for Nickelodeon's show Unfabulous. John Porter, her manager, lauded her as a "force of nature" and human rights advocate, whose music has left an indelible mark on culture. Music correspondent Eric Alper remembered her for her "heart, humour, and honesty," pointing out her role in shifting the musical landscape and sparking vital conversations about representation.
Carrie Coon, an American actress, mourned her passing, stating that Sobule's uniqueness made the news "heartbreaking." Authorities in Woodbury are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the fire where Sobule was found, as the music industry and fans alike grieve the loss of an inspiring figure.
