Jill Sobule, known for her 1995 LGBTQ-themed hit “I Kissed a Girl,” has died in a house fire at age 66. She leaves behind a powerful legacy in music and activism.
Tragic End to a Powerful Voice
Jill Sobule, a bold and beloved figure in American music, has died following a house fire in Woodbury, Minnesota, near Minneapolis.
She was 66 years old. The local police says the case is still under investigation.
A Voice Ahead of Her Time
Jill Sobule gained popularity in 1995 with her breakout song “I Kissed a Girl.”
The song made headlines for openly exploring same-sex attraction — a rare theme in pop music at the time. It became one of the first mainstream songs with LGBTQ themes to break into the Billboard Top 20.
Another one of her well-known tracks, “Supermodel,” was featured in the iconic teen movie Clueless, introducing her sound to a new generation of listeners.
Not Just a Pop Star — A Thoughtful Storyteller
Jill Sobule used her songs to explore tough and meaningful issues through her music:
- Mental health struggles like anorexia
- Human rights issues like the death penalty
- Equality and representation for the LGBTQ+ community
She also helped shape music crowdfunding, asking fans to support her albums long before it became common.
Creative Beyond Music
In addition to pop music, Sobule:
- Wrote songs for theatre
- Created music for television
- Composed the theme song for Nickelodeon’s Unfabulous
Most recently, she had been working on an autobiographical stage musical and was scheduled to perform in her hometown of Denver, Colorado, the week of her death.
Friends and Fans Remember Her
Her passing sparked a wave of tributes:
“She changed the soundtrack — and the conversation,” said Canadian music writer Eric Alper.
“We loved her. “She truly cared about us,” wrote British musician Lloyd Cole.
“I lost a client and a friend,” said her manager John Porter, calling her a “force of nature” and a tireless advocate for human rights.
Actress Carrie Coon called her death “heartbreaking.”
Her Legacy Will Endure
Jill Sobule’s influence reaches far beyond her chart rankings.
She paved the way for queer artists, used her voice to spark hard conversations, and gave fans songs filled with wit, heart, and soul.
Her music will continue to inspire artists, activists, and listeners of all ages.
A free memorial gathering is being planned in Denver to celebrate her life and work.
Why Jill Sobule Matters in 2025
Jill Sobule didn’t just write songs — she created space for honest stories in pop culture.
She helped move LGBTQ themes from the margins to the mainstream, years before it was common or accepted.
In today’s music world full of self-expression and openness, we owe part of that freedom to voices like hers.
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