Jill Sobule: A Cherished Voice in Music Passes Away
Jill Sobule, the acclaimed singer-songwriter famed for her hit song “I Kissed a Girl,” tragically passed away at the age of 66 in a house fire early Thursday morning in Woodbury, Minnesota, approximately 20 miles east of Minneapolis. This news has been confirmed by multiple outlets, including Rolling Stone, Variety, and TMZ.
A Prolific Career
Sobule’s musical journey spanned over three decades and included twelve albums, showcasing her ability to blend pop sensibilities with thoughtful lyrics. Some of her most notable tracks include “Supermodel,” which gained popularity from the Clueless soundtrack. Tragically, her death comes just weeks ahead of the anticipated release of a 30th-anniversary reissue of her self-titled Atlantic album.
A Trailblazer for LGBTQ+ Representation
Why was Sobule’s work crucial? Released a decade before Katy Perry’s similarly titled song, “I Kissed a Girl” stood out in 1995 as a pioneering openly queer-themed track, making its way into the Billboard Top 20. The song’s lighthearted, sincere, and satirical nature, complemented by a memorable music video featuring Fabio, helped to challenge societal norms surrounding femininity and desire.
After publicly coming out in subsequent years, Sobule emerged as a key figure in enhancing LGBTQ+ visibility within mainstream music.
Beyond One Hit Wonder Status
While “I Kissed a Girl” remains her signature song, Sobule’s artistic range was much broader. She explored complex themes such as body image, reproductive rights, political satire, and mental health with empathy and humor. Her debut album, Things Here Are Different, was released in 1990 and set the stage for her breakout self-titled album in 1995, which featured both “I Kissed a Girl” and “Supermodel.”
Frustrated with the limitations of commercial radio, Sobule later shifted to independent music and theatrical storytelling. Her recent musical, F*** 7th Grade, which reflected her experiences growing up as a queer individual in Denver, garnered a Drama Desk Award nomination and enjoyed multiple theatrical runs within three years.
A Pioneer of Crowdfunding
Sobule was an early advocate for crowdfunding, raising $75,000 in 2008 from over 500 supporters to fund her album California Years—long before platforms like Kickstarter became mainstream for artists. She utilized similar strategies for subsequent projects, including her 2018 release Nostalgia Kills under her label, Pinko Records.
Community and Legacy
Her manager John Porter expressed the deep loss felt by those who knew Sobule, stating, “Jill Sobule was a force of nature and human rights advocate whose music is woven into our culture. I was having so much fun working with her. I lost a client and a friend today. I hope her music, memory, & legacy continue to live on and inspire others.”
Longtime attorney Ken Hertz added a personal touch, saying, “Jill wasn’t just a client. She was family to us. She showed up for every birth, every birthday, and every holiday. She performed at our daughter’s wedding, and I was her ‘tech’ when she performed by Zoom from our living room during the pandemic.”
Upcoming Memorials
In the wake of her passing, a tribute gathering is set to take place in Denver at Swallow Hill Music’s Tuft Theater, where Sobule was slated to perform shortly. The event will be hosted by her friend and radio personality Ron Bostwick, with a formal memorial planned for later this summer.
Conclusion
Jill Sobule’s contributions to music and her role as a cultural icon in LGBTQ+ advocacy will be deeply missed. Her legacy continues to resonate, inspiring new generations of artists and listeners alike.
