Popular American singer and songwriter, Jill Sobule, has died in a house fire in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Her publicist confirmed her death on Thursday. She was 66 years old.
Sobule was best known for her 1995 hit song I Kissed a Girl, which was one of the first openly gay-themed songs to make it to the US Billboard Top 20. Another well-known song of hers, Supermodel, was featured in the classic film Clueless.
According to US media, Sobule was meant to perform on Friday in Denver, Colorado, her hometown. The show was to feature songs from her life story, now told through a stage musical. Instead, a memorial event will now be held in her honour.
Fans, friends, and celebrities have been sharing tributes online since the news broke.
British singer Lloyd Cole wrote, “I’m really too numb to post much of anything. We loved her. She loved us.”
Canadian music expert Eric Alper also praised her legacy, saying she “paved the way with heart, humour, and honesty,” and that she “changed the soundtrack – and the conversation” for LGBTQ+ rights in music.
American actress Carrie Coon simply posted, “Jill Sobule was so special. Heartbreaking news.”
Sobule’s manager, John Porter, described her as a “force of nature and human rights advocate whose music is woven into our culture.” He added, “I was having so much fun working with her. I lost a client and a friend today. I hope her music, memory, and legacy continue to live on and inspire others.”
Born in 1959, Jill Sobule’s career lasted over 30 years. Her music often touched on serious issues like the death penalty, eating disorders, and LGBTQ+ rights. She also wrote music for TV, including the theme song for the Nickelodeon show *Unfabulous*.
She was one of the early artists to use crowdfunding to make albums without big record labels.
Local police are still investigating the cause of the fire at the house where she was found, according to the Star Tribune.
