Jill Sobule, ‘I Kissed a Girl’ Singer, Passes Away in Tragic House Fire at 66
The music industry is in mourning following the tragic death of Jill Sobule, the singer-songwriter best known for her groundbreaking hit ‘I Kissed a Girl’, who passed away in a house fire in Minneapolis at the age of 66. Her manager, John Porter, confirmed the news, describing her as "a force of nature and human rights advocate whose music is woven into our culture."
According to a report by Variety, Porter stated, "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." Sobule’s demise has left fans and fellow musicians heartbroken, with many paying tribute to her legacy and impact on the music industry.
Breaking Boundaries with ‘I Kissed a Girl’
Released in 1995, ‘I Kissed a Girl’ was one of the first openly lesbian-themed songs to break into the Billboard top 20. Its honest and playful lyrics helped open doors for LGBTQ+ voices in mainstream pop music. As reported by the Times of India, Sobule often reflected on the impact of her song ‘Kissed a Girl’ and its place in the cultural landscape.
In an interview with the Philadelphia Gay News in 2021, Sobule recalled, "[When] I got my record deal and I was sitting in a conference room getting ready to have the first big meeting… they said, ‘We’ve already had Tracy Chapman and Melissa Etheridge. Thank God we finally have a straight, female singer-songwriter.’ It freaked me out.” She added, “When ‘Kissed a Girl’ came out… it was treated like a novelty. For me, I wanted it out… I wish I’d heard [it] when I was young.”
A Legacy in Music
While the title was later made more famous by Katy Perry’s 2008 hit, Sobule’s original version was praised for its heartfelt, folk-pop charm and meaningful message. It reached number 20 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart and has remained an important part of queer music history. Sobule’s 1995 self-titled album also featured the cheeky track ‘Supermodel’, which became popular after being featured on the ‘Clueless’ movie soundtrack. The song poked fun at beauty standards and teenage pressures, quickly becoming a cult favourite.
As reported by the Times of India, Sarah Thyre, who worked with Sobule on various projects, shared her grief on Instagram, “This one hits hard. Jill Sobule was an amazing, generous artist who lent her time and talent to abortion rights and other progressive causes.”
A Life of Advocacy
Sobule was a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and other progressive causes. Her music has been widely praised for its thought-provoking lyrics and catchy melodies. With ‘I Kissed a Girl’, Sobule helped pave the way for future generations of LGBTQ+ artists and fans. Her legacy continues to inspire and influence musicians and fans around the world.
Tributes Pour In
The news of Sobule’s passing has sent shockwaves through the music industry, with many artists and fans paying tribute to her life and legacy. As the news continues to unfold, fans and fellow musicians are coming together to celebrate Sobule’s life and music. The Times of India will continue to provide updates on this story as more information becomes available.
