Groundbreaking Singer-Songwriter Jill Sobule Dies at 66
Renowned singer-songwriter and activist Jill Sobule has passed away at the age of 66 in a Minneapolis house fire. Sobule, whose 1995 song "I Kissed a Girl" is widely regarded as the first openly gay-themed song to crack the Billboard Top 20, died early Thursday morning, according to her representative.
Sobule’s illustrious three-decade career spanned 12 albums and included a diverse range of hits, including "Supermodel" from the film "Clueless" and the Drama Desk-nominated autobiographical musical "Fuck 7th Grade," which enjoyed four theatrical runs in three years. As reported by Variety, the original cast recording of the show is set to be released on June 6, alongside a special 30th anniversary reissue of her self-titled album, which features "I Kissed a Girl" and "Supermodel."
Sobule’s music career began in 1990 with the release of her Todd Rundgren-produced debut album, "Things Here Are Different." She went on to sign with Atlantic in 1995 and enjoyed hits with her self-titled album, but later found that the pop format constricted the wide-ranging topics and ideas of her often-witty songs. According to Variety, her songs tackled topics such as capital punishment, shoplifting, anorexia, and the MAGA movement.
In addition to her music, Sobule was also a pioneer in using crowdfunding to release albums. In 2008, she became one of the first artists to use this method, offering patrons everything from a free download along with the physical copy of the album to the opportunity to sing on the record. As reported by Variety, she successfully reached her $75,000 target goal via more than 500 donations and released the album "California Years" in 2009 on her Pinko Records label.
Sobule’s impact on the music industry and her legacy as a human rights advocate have been widely acknowledged. Her manager, John Porter, said in a statement, "Jill Sobule was 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 and a friend today. I hope her music, memory, & legacy continue to live on and inspire others."
A formal memorial celebrating Sobule’s life and legacy will take place during the summer, according to her representative. In the meantime, a gathering will be held at Swallow Hill Music’s Tuft Theater in Denver, where Sobule was scheduled to perform tomorrow night. Her longtime attorney, Ken Hertz, remembered Sobule as "family" and said, "She showed up for every birth, every birthday, and every holiday. She performed at our daughter’s wedding, and I was her ‘tech’ when she performed by Zoom from our living room (while living with us) during the pandemic."
Sobule is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, James and Mary Ellen Sobule, and her nephews, Ian Matthew and Robert and Robert’s wife Irina. As Variety reported, Sobule’s music and legacy will continue to inspire others, and her passing has left a void in the music industry.
As the music world mourns the loss of this talented artist, fans and fellow musicians alike are paying tribute to Sobule’s remarkable life and career. With her groundbreaking music and tireless advocacy, Sobule has left an indelible mark on the industry, and her legacy will continue to be celebrated for years to come.
The cause of the house fire has not been disclosed, and an investigation is likely to follow. For now, Sobule’s fans and loved ones are coming together to celebrate her life and music, and to ensure that her legacy continues to inspire and uplift others.
