Jill Sobule, the award-winning
singer-songwriter
Whose clever and insightful writing gained significant recognition with the LGBTQ+-themed song “I Kissed a Girl,” passed away in a house fire on Thursday. She was 66 years old.
Her passing was verified by her spokesperson, David Elkin, via an emailed statement on Thursday afternoon. The cause of the blaze in Woodbury, Minnesota, remains unknown at this time.
Jill Sobule was an unstoppable force dedicated to human rights, and her music has become intertwined with our cultural fabric,” stated John Porter, her manager. “Working with her was incredibly enjoyable. Today, I’ve lost both a client and a dear friend. I trust that her music, memories, and enduring legacy will keep inspiring future generations.
Over her career spanning over thirty years, Sobule has produced 12 albums tackling intricate subjects like capital punishment, anorexia nervosa, reproductive rights, and LGBTQ+ matters.
Her debut album titled “Things Here Are Different” came out in 1990. In 1995, she gained significant recognition due to her popular tracks “Supermodel,” featured in the film “Clueless,” and “I Kissed A Girl.” Despite getting barred from various Southern radio stations, the latter managed to climb up to the Billboard Top 20.
She additionally appeared in her autobiography
off-Broadway musical
that first debuted at the Wild Project in New York in 2022 and features songs and tales from her life.
Sobule gained recognition for steering her own career through fan-funded initiatives. In 2008, following the withdrawal of support from two prominent record companies and the subsequent bankruptcy of two independent labels associated with her, she managed to raise substantial funds from supporters allowing her to produce a fresh album.
The traditional approach was about waiting for others to take action; having a manager and an agent who would expect major record labels to provide funds and dictate directions,” she explained back then. “This new method is amazing. I’m eager to handle everything this way.
Sobule was set to play in Denver on Friday evening. However, instead of performing, she will participate in an informal meet-up organized by her acquaintance Ron Bostwick from 105.5 The Colorado Sound at the venue. Attendees have been invited to share stories or music during this event, as stated by her spokesperson.
A formal gathering to honor her life and heritage will take place later this summer.
“Nobody made me laugh as much as she did. Her spirit and vitality will be deeply missed not only in the music world but also beyond,” stated Craig Grossman, her booking agent, in an official release.
She was born in Denver, Colorado, on January 16, 1959. She has characterized herself as a timid child who inclined more towards watching than engaging.
Sobule was renowned for performing numerous gigs annually and characterized her live shows as vulnerable encounters. She mentioned that she frequently goes without a predetermined playlist and improvises instead.
She has shared the stage with renowned artists like Neil Young, Billy Bragg, and Cyndi Lauper, and she inducted Neil Diamond into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, as stated on her website. Additionally, she lent her voice to a character named after herself in an episode of “The Simpsons” back in 2019.
In a positive sense, I feel like I’m still just starting out,” she shared with The Associated Press in 2023 during an interview about her musical. “There’s still so much left to accomplish, and I believe I haven’t reached my peak performance yet.
Her brother and sister-in-law, James and Mary Ellen Sobule, as well as her nephews and cousins, survive her.
Hallie Golden from The Associated Press
