Jill Sobule Dies in House Fire, Leaving Legacy
Sobule's impact on the music industry is undeniable, with her pioneering use of crowdfunding and her unapologetic approach to songwriting leaving a lasting legacy that will be felt for years to come, and her music will continue to be celebrated for its wit, diversity, and willingness to tackle tough topics.
Jill Sobule, the renowned singer-songwriter behind the iconic 1995 song "I Kissed a Girl," has passed away at the age of 66 in a Minneapolis house fire, leaving behind a legacy of groundbreaking music and a trail of tributes from the music industry.
Sobule was a prominent figure in the music industry, known for her diverse and witty songs that tackled a range of topics, from capital punishment to the MAGA movement. Her career spanned three decades, during which she released 12 albums, including her self-titled debut in 1990 and the autobiographical musical "Fuck 7th Grade," which earned a Drama Desk nomination.
A pioneer in using crowdfunding to release albums, Sobule raised $75,000 in just two months for her 2009 album "California Years." Her music also appeared in TV shows, including the Nickelodeon theme song "Unfabulous." Sobule's hit song "I Kissed a Girl" is considered the first openly-gay song to reach the Billboard Top 20, and her satirical anthem "Supermodel" was featured in the 1995 film Clueless.
Tributes have poured in from the music industry, with Lloyd Cole calling her a "force of nature" and Katy Perry's 2008 song with the same title as Sobule's hit drawing attention to her legacy. A formal memorial celebrating her life and legacy will take place during the summer, and she is survived by her brother, sister-in-law, and nephews.
Jill Sobule's passing has left a void in the music industry, but her legacy will continue to inspire and influence future generations of musicians and fans alike, with her music remaining a testament to her innovative spirit and commitment to tackling tough topics through her art.