Jill Sobule, a pioneering American singer-songwriter recognized for her hit "I Kissed a Girl," has tragically passed away at the age of 66 due to a house fire in Minneapolis, as confirmed by her publicist. Sobule, celebrated for her role in opening the conversation on LGBTQ+ themes in popular music, reached fame with her 1995 self-titled album featuring the anthemic "Supermodel," which was prominently featured in the film Clueless.
Scheduled to perform in Denver shortly, a gathering in her honor is now set to take place in her memory. Tributes have been flooding social media, with musicians and fans mourning the loss of an artist who integrated humor and heart into her work. English musician Lloyd Cole expressed his grief with a poignant message, reflecting the profound impact Sobule had on those who admired her.
Born in 1959, Sobule's career spanned over three decades, touching upon subjects from LGBTQ+ rights to health issues. Her song "I Kissed a Girl" broke barriers as one of the first openly gay themed tracks to enter the Billboard Top 20, later garnering renewed attention when Katy Perry released a song of the same name in 2008.
In addition to her music career, Sobule was a trailblazer in crowdfunding her albums and contributed to various theater productions and TV shows, including the theme for Nickelodeon's Unfabulous. John Porter, her manager, reflected on her vibrant personality and dedication to human rights, stating that he feels a deep personal loss as both a manager and friend.
Eric Alper, a Canadian music correspondent, praised Sobule's artistry, citing her role as a catalyst for important discussions in society. Many in the entertainment industry, including actress Carrie Coon, have shared heartfelt tributes in light of her passing.
Authorities in Woodbury are currently investigating the cause of the fire that led to her untimely death. Sobule's legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of artists and activists.
Scheduled to perform in Denver shortly, a gathering in her honor is now set to take place in her memory. Tributes have been flooding social media, with musicians and fans mourning the loss of an artist who integrated humor and heart into her work. English musician Lloyd Cole expressed his grief with a poignant message, reflecting the profound impact Sobule had on those who admired her.
Born in 1959, Sobule's career spanned over three decades, touching upon subjects from LGBTQ+ rights to health issues. Her song "I Kissed a Girl" broke barriers as one of the first openly gay themed tracks to enter the Billboard Top 20, later garnering renewed attention when Katy Perry released a song of the same name in 2008.
In addition to her music career, Sobule was a trailblazer in crowdfunding her albums and contributed to various theater productions and TV shows, including the theme for Nickelodeon's Unfabulous. John Porter, her manager, reflected on her vibrant personality and dedication to human rights, stating that he feels a deep personal loss as both a manager and friend.
Eric Alper, a Canadian music correspondent, praised Sobule's artistry, citing her role as a catalyst for important discussions in society. Many in the entertainment industry, including actress Carrie Coon, have shared heartfelt tributes in light of her passing.
Authorities in Woodbury are currently investigating the cause of the fire that led to her untimely death. Sobule's legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of artists and activists.
