Jill Sobule, the influential singer-songwriter best known for her bold 1995 hit “I Kissed a Girl,” has died at the age of 66 following a tragic house fire in Woodbury, Minnesota.
The fire occurred early on the morning of May 1, 2025. Sobule was found in her home, according to her publicist. Authorities in Woodbury are currently investigating the cause of the blaze, as reported by the Star Tribune.
Sobule had been preparing for a busy season with two major releases on the horizon — including a 30th anniversary edition of her career-defining self-titled album under Atlantic Records.
A fearless voice in music
Often described as one of the most authentic and daring voices of her era, Sobule’s work stretched far beyond pop trends. Over a three-decade career, she explored complex themes such as social justice, mental health, and LGBTQ+ identity through sharp, often witty songwriting that earned her a loyal following.
Born in Denver, Colorado, Sobule broke into the industry in 1990 with an album produced by Todd Rundgren under MCA Records. Despite the promising start, the project failed to gain traction, and the label soon dropped her — a setback that deeply affected her both creatively and personally.
But her breakthrough moment arrived in 1995 with “I Kissed a Girl”, a groundbreaking single that made history as the first openly LGBTQ+-themed song to chart on Billboard’s Modern Rock Tracks, peaking at No. 20. The accompanying music video, featuring romance novel icon Fabio, added an unexpected layer of humor and charm that helped propel the song to MTV stardom.
That same year, Sobule’s satirical track “Supermodel” was featured in the hit teen film Clueless, further solidifying her place in ’90s pop culture.
A unique legacy
Throughout her career, Sobule released eight studio albums, four EPs, and a compilation of fan favorites. Her sound — a mix of folk, pop, and storytelling — drew comparisons to legendary singer-songwriters of the 1970s, but her lyrical style was distinctly modern, often tackling tough subjects with grace and irony.
Her longtime manager, John Porter, paid tribute in a statement: “Jill was a force of nature — a brilliant artist and a passionate advocate for human rights. Her music lives on, and so will her impact.”
Sobule is survived by her brother, sister-in-law, several nephews, cousins, and a close-knit group of friends, according to CNN.
