Jill Sobule, ‘I Kissed a Girl’ Singer-Songwriter, Tragically Dies at 66 in Devastating Minnesota House Fire
Jill Sobule, the acclaimed singer-songwriter behind the groundbreaking hit I Kissed a Girl, died at 66 early Thursday morning in a house fire in Woodbury, Minnesota.
Her publicist, David Elkin, confirmed the death in a statement released later that day. Authorities have not yet disclosed the cause of the fire. Sobule, best known for her 1995 single I Kissed a Girl, was widely regarded as a pioneer in LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream music.
Her manager, John Porter, described Sobule as a force of nature and a dedicated human rights advocate whose music became part of cultural history. He added that he had been enjoying working with her and felt the deep personal loss of both a client and a friend.
Jill Sobule: “I Kissed a Girl”
When “I Kissed a Girl” debuted on the Billboard Top 20 and became among the first gay-themed pop songs with explicit lyrics to appeal to broad acceptance, Jill Sobule established musical history in 1995. The track, released on her self-titled album, challenged norms and sparked conversations about sexuality in pop music.
Though banned on several southern American radio stations of the day, the song remained popular. The song helped Sobule establish herself as a bold and intelligent songwriter, reluctant to hold back on delicate themes.
Sobule also came into prominence with Supermodel, which was included in the soundtrack of the 1995 teen comedy Clueless. The track helped solidify her status in pop culture and enlarged her fan base.
During her three-decade career, Sobule released 12 albums tackling a variety of topics, from mental health and reproductive rights to the death penalty. She began with Things Here Are Different in 1990, produced by Todd Rundgren.
Later in her career, Sobule became a pioneer of crowdfunding in the music industry. In 2008, she raised $75,000 directly from fans to independently produce California Years. More than 500 supporters contributed to the project, which she released through her own Pinko Records label.
She repeated the strategy in 2018 with the album Nostalgia Kills, again choosing fan support over traditional label funding.
Theatrical Success and Personal Connection
In recent years, Sobule expanded her work into theater with her autobiographical musical Fck 7th Grade*. The show, which ran in multiple New York theaters between 2020 and 2023, received a Drama Desk nomination. A cast recording of the production is set for release on June 6, coinciding with the 30th anniversary reissue of her 1995 album.
Sobule remained an active performer throughout her life, often touring across the country. She was scheduled to perform in her hometown of Denver on Friday. In place of the show, an informal tribute will be held at the venue, hosted by Ron Bostwick of 105.5 The Colorado Sound. A formal memorial is planned for later this summer.
Her long-time lawyer, Ken Hertz, treated her like family, commenting that she attended every birth, birthday, and holiday and even played at his daughter’s wedding.
Jill Sobule maintained an active presence on social media. Her last post shared just days before her death, captured her signature humor and love of life. Fans have since returned to the site to leave heartfelt notes and memories.
Throughout her career, Sobule performed alongside music legends, including Neil Young, Billy Bragg, and Cyndi Lauper. She also appeared in an episode of The Simpsons in 2019 and inducted Neil Diamond into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Born on January 16, 1959, in Denver, Sobule often described herself as a shy child who found confidence through music. Her live shows were known for their emotional depth and spontaneity, with many featuring no setlist at all.
Sobule is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, James and Mary Ellen Sobule, as well as nephews Ian Matthew and Robert and Robert’s wife, Irina.
Her voice for change in pop music came from her readiness to challenge social conventions and sing her truth.
