Jill Sobule, the beloved singer-songwriter known for hits like “Supermodel” and “I Kissed a Girl,” tragically passed away at age 66 in a house fire in Woodbury, Minnesota. Her publicist confirmed the news, noting that she was staying with friends while preparing for her one-woman musical, “F*ck7thGrade.”
Firefighters responded early Thursday morning, finding a woman in her 60s inside the home, though the cause of the fire is still unknown.
Sobule was set to perform in Denver shortly after her passing, highlighting her continued influence in music and advocacy. A community gathering in her honor is planned instead of a formal event.
Her song “I Kissed a Girl” gained fame in 1995, breaking through barriers in a time when being a queer artist was more challenging. Sobule once reflected on the significance of this breakthrough, sharing, “It was dicey to be a queer musician, but I made it into the charts.” This track became an anthem for many, reflecting changing attitudes toward LGBTQ+ representation in media.
“Supermodel,” another standout track, featured in the classic film “Clueless,” further solidified her status as an artist who defined a generation. Sobule humorously noted in a 2022 interview, “Some call me a one-hit wonder, but I like to say I’m a two-hit wonder!”
Recent surveys show the growing appreciation for diverse voices in music, reflecting trends that Sobule helped pave the way for. A 2020 research study revealed that 63% of music listeners now actively seek out LGBTQ+ artists.
Sobule’s impact goes beyond just music; she used her platform for advocacy, actively engaging in conversations about equality and representation.
Jill Sobule will be missed not only for her music but also for her courage and authenticity in an industry that continues to evolve.
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