Jill Sobule, best known for her 1995 hit song “I Kissed a Girl,” has tragically passed away at the age of 66. According to TMZ, Sobule died in a house fire in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Thursday. Her manager, John Porter, confirmed the news, remembering Sobule as a “force of nature” and a passionate advocate for human rights.
“She was a force of nature and human rights advocate whose music is woven into our culture,” Porter said in a statement. “I was having so much fun working with her. I lost a client & a friend today. I hope her music, memory, & legacy continue to live on and inspire others.”
Sobule, a multifaceted artist, made her mark in the music industry with a career spanning over three decades. She is perhaps best remembered for “I Kissed a Girl,” a groundbreaking song that became a cultural anthem in the 1990s. Additionally, Sobule’s track “Supermodel,” featured in the popular film Clueless, further solidified her status as a beloved figure in the music scene.
Throughout her career, Sobule released 12 albums, each reflecting her unique voice and creative vision. She also created the autobiographical musical F** 7th Grade*, which received critical acclaim. Known for her sense of humor and poignant commentary, Sobule also contributed the theme song for the Nickelodeon series Unfabulous.
A show that Sobule had scheduled for Friday night at Swallow Hill Music’s Tuft Theater in Denver, her hometown, has sadly been canceled due to her passing.
Sobule leaves behind a rich musical legacy and a profound impact on the industry. She is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, James and Mary Ellen Sobule, as well as her nephews, Ian Matthew and Robert, and Robert’s wife Irina. Numerous cousins and countless friends also mourn her loss.
A formal memorial to celebrate Sobule’s life and legacy will be held later this summer.
Jill Sobule will be remembered not only for her music but for the way she inspired others with her authenticity and advocacy.
