A beloved musician known for her groundbreaking contributions to LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream music met an untimely end in Minnesota.
According to the New York Post, Jill Sobule, who gained fame with her 1995 hit "I Kissed a Girl," perished in a house fire early Thursday morning in Minneapolis at the age of 66.
The Denver native made history when her song "I Kissed a Girl" became the first openly gay-themed tune to reach Billboard's Top 20. Her impact on popular culture extended beyond this milestone with "Supermodel," featured in the iconic teen film "Clueless," and her work on the Nickelodeon show "Unfabulous."
During her 30-year career, Sobule released 12 albums and pioneered crowdfunding in the music industry. Her debut album "Things Here Are Different" launched in 1990, but it was her 1995 signing with Atlantic Records that catapulted her to stardom.
The singer-songwriter demonstrated innovative approaches to music production and distribution. In 2009, she successfully raised $75,000 through crowdfunding from over 500 donors to release her album "California Years."
Her creative endeavors expanded beyond traditional music releases. Sobule wrote and performed an autobiographical musical titled "F--k 7th Grade," which earned a Drama Desk nomination.
The artist's manager John Porter shared his grief over the loss of both a client and friend:
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 inspire others.
Long-time attorney Ken Hertz emphasized Sobule's personal impact on those around her:
Jill wasn't just a client. She was family to us. 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.
The tragedy occurred just before several planned projects were set to launch. Sobule was scheduled to perform "Songs From F--k 7th Grade & More" at Denver's Swallow Hill Music's Tuft Theater on May 2, which has been replaced with a free memorial gathering.
Her musical legacy will continue through upcoming releases. The original cast recording of "F--k 7th Grade" is scheduled for release next month, coinciding with the 30th-anniversary reissue of her self-titled album containing her biggest hits.
The singer was known for addressing significant social issues through her music, tackling topics like eating disorders and capital punishment with her characteristic wit and insight.
Jill Sobule, who passed away in a Minneapolis house fire, left an indelible mark on the music industry through her groundbreaking achievements and innovative approaches to music creation and distribution.
The Denver-born artist, who died at 66, is survived by her brother James, sister-in-law Mary, and two nephews. A formal celebration of her life and contributions to music is being planned for later this summer, where fans and colleagues will honor her memory and lasting impact on popular culture.
