Jill Sobule, an influential American songwriter known for her groundbreaking hit I Kissed a Girl, which is often recognized as the first openly-gay themed song to reach the Billboard Top 20, has tragically passed away in a house fire in Minneapolis, according to her publicist.
At the age of 66, Sobule was celebrated for her satirical song Supermodel, which gained fame from the 1995 film Clueless. She was scheduled to perform in Denver on Friday, showcasing her new autobiographical stage musical. A memorial gathering will now be held in her memory.
Social media has been flooded with tributes, including a heartfelt message from English musician Lloyd Cole, who expressed his shock, stating, "I'm really too numb to post much of anything. We loved her. She loved us."
Born in 1959, Sobule's career spanned over thirty years, addressing various issues such as the death penalty, anorexia, and LGBTQ+ rights.
Her most notable works were featured on her self-titled 1995 album, which included hits like Supermodel and I Kissed a Girl. The latter gained renewed popularity in 2008 when Katy Perry released her own song with the same name.
Sobule was also a pioneer in crowdfunding for music releases and contributed to theatre and television, including the theme for Nickelodeon's Unfabulous.
John Porter, her manager, described her as a "force of nature and human rights advocate whose music is woven into our culture. 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."
Canadian music correspondent Eric Alper remarked on X that she "paved the way with heart, humour, and honesty. The first openly gay artist to break the Billboard Top 20, her songs like 'I Kissed a Girl' and 'Supermodel' changed the soundtrack - and the conversation."
American actress Carrie Coon shared her sorrow, stating, "Jill Sobule was so special. Heartbreaking news."
Authorities in Woodbury are currently investigating the cause of the fire where Sobule was discovered, as reported by the Star Tribune..