Jill Sobule, trailblazing songwriter, dies in tragic house fire

Jill Sobule, a pioneering force in music and advocate for human rights, tragically lost her life in a house fire, leaving behind a legacy woven into the fabric of cultural discussions and a profound impact on the music industry.

Jill Sobule, the influential American singer-songwriter renowned for her track "I Kissed a Girl," which broke barriers as the first openly-gay-themed song to enter the Billboard Top 20, has tragically passed away at the age of 66. Her publicist confirmed that Sobule died in a house fire in Minneapolis. Just days before her untimely death, Sobule was scheduled to perform in Denver, showcasing songs from her autobiographical stage musical.

Fans and fellow musicians have taken to social media to express their heartfelt tributes. English musician Lloyd Cole shared his grief with a message stating, "I'm really too numb to post much of anything. We loved her. She loved us." Sobule was born in 1959, and her career spanned over three decades, during which she tackled various important topics in her music, including LGBTQ+ rights, anorexia, and the death penalty.

Her self-titled 1995 album featured hits like "Supermodel" and "I Kissed a Girl," the latter of which garnered renewed attention in 2008 when Katy Perry released a song of the same name. Sobule was also a pioneer in using crowdfunding for her album releases and contributed music to several television shows, including the theme for Nickelodeon's "Unfabulous."

John Porter, Sobule's manager, described her as a "force of nature and human rights advocate," expressing his deep sadness at the loss of both a client and a friend. Canadian music correspondent Eric Alper noted Sobule's significant impact on the industry, stating, "She paved the way with heart, humour, and honesty." Actress Carrie Coon echoed this sentiment, lamenting the profound loss.

Authorities in Woodbury are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the fire that led to Sobule’s passing, as fans and the music community reflect on the irreplaceable mark she left on their lives and the wider culture.