Jill Sobule, Singer-Songwriter, Dies at 66 in House Fire

Jill Sobule, the beloved singer-songwriter known for her satirical anthem "Supermodel" from the Clueless movie soundtrack and the groundbreaking single "I Kissed a Girl," tragically passed away at the age of 66 in a house fire in Woodbury, Minnesota, on Thursday. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the fire.

Born on January 16, 1959, in Denver, Colorado, Sobule was known for her engaging live performances and her ability to connect with audiences on a personal level. According to her website, she performed with music legends like Neil Young, Billy Bragg, Cyndi Lauper, Tom Morello, Steve Earle, and Warren Zevon, and even made a guest appearance on The Simpsons in 2019.

Confirmation of Her Death

Sobule's death was confirmed by her manager, John Porter, in a heartfelt statement to the Minnesota Star Tribune. "Jill Sobule was a force of nature and human rights advocate whose music is woven into our culture," Porter expressed. "I lost a client and a friend today. I hope her music, memory, and legacy continue to live on and inspire others."

Scheduled Performance and Musical Legacy

Just a day before her untimely death, Sobule was scheduled to perform in her native Denver, showcasing songs from her autobiographical stage musical, Fck 7th Grade*, which was nominated for a Drama Desk award in 2023. Her diverse body of work spanned over three decades and included 12 albums, starting with her debut collection, Things Here Are Different, produced by Todd Rundgren in 1990.

Breakthrough Hits

Sobule gained widespread recognition in 1995 with her self-titled album, which featured two of her biggest hits: "Supermodel" and "I Kissed a Girl." The latter is often regarded as the first openly LGBTQ-themed song to break into the Billboard Top 20, peaking at No. 20 that year. The song saw a resurgence in popularity in 2008 when Katy Perry released a different single with the same title.

Jill Sobule's Unique Approach to Music

Sobule was also recognized for her innovative approach to her career. After facing challenges with major record labels, she took control of her music by fundraising from fans to produce new albums. "The old kind of paradigm... you’d wait for the big record company to give you money to do things. This is so great. I want to do everything like this," she stated in 2008.

Throughout her career, Sobule was known for addressing complex social issues in her music, including topics like the death penalty, anorexia nervosa, and LGBTQ+ rights. Her ability to blend humor with poignant commentary made her a unique voice in the music industry.

Community Gathering and Memorial

In light of her passing, an informal gathering will be held in Denver, hosted by her friend Ron Bostwick from 105.5 The Colorado Sound, where attendees can share stories and songs in her memory. A formal memorial to celebrate Sobule's life and legacy is planned for later this summer.

Craig Grossman, her booking agent, expressed the sentiment felt by many in the music community: "No one made me laugh more. Her spirit and energy shall be greatly missed."

Jill Sobule is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, James and Mary Ellen Sobule, along with her nephews and cousins. Her music and legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations.