Woodbury, Minn. — The music community is mourning the tragic loss of Jill Sobule, a celebrated singer-songwriter and passionate advocate for human rights, who died in a house fire early Thursday morning. Fire officials continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the blaze, which occurred around 5:30 a.m. on Pinehurst Road.
When firefighters arrived at the scene, they were informed by the homeowners that one person might still be trapped inside. Tragically, crews located Sobule’s body within the home. Initial investigations by Woodbury Public Safety revealed no immediate indications of foul play. A further examination by the Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office has deemed toxicology results necessary, which may take six to eight weeks to process.
At 66 years old, Sobule was visiting the Twin Cities to catch up with friends, record an episode for the podcast “The Brian Oake Show,” and prepare for her show, “Jill Sobule Presents: F*ck 7th Grade & More,” set for June 11 at the Parkway Theater in Minneapolis. Oake, who had no personal connection to Sobule, expressed his surprise at the unfortunate timing, highlighting the unpredictability of life.
Sobule made history with her 1995 hit “I Kissed a Girl,” which became the first openly gay-themed song to break into the Billboard Top 20. She also gained fame for “Supermodel,” featured in the iconic film “Clueless.” In a 2022 interview, she humorously reflected on her career, asserting, “People call me a one-hit wonder, and I say, ‘Wait a second, I’m a two-hit wonder!’”
Her manager, John Porter, described Sobule as a “force of nature,” noting her profound impact as both an artist and an activist. He lamented the loss of not just a client but also a dear friend. Craig Grossman, her booking agent, echoed these sentiments, sharing that Sobule’s laughter and vibrant spirit will be sorely missed in the music world and beyond.
Born in Denver on January 16, 1959, to a veterinarian and a musician, Sobule often found herself lacking relatable role models during her upbringing. As she developed her musical talents, she dropped out of school in pursuit of a career in music, releasing her debut album in 1990. Her second album, which included the hit “I Kissed a Girl,” solidified her status in the industry.
Her song found renewed attention in 2008 when Katy Perry released a track with the same name. Sobule described her feelings of jealousy but ultimately took it in stride, appreciating that her version was still recognized.
In addition to her musical contributions, Sobule was a vocal advocate for numerous social issues, particularly those affecting the LGBTQ+ community. GLAAD president Sarah Kate Ellis noted that Sobule “literally created a path for queer people and women in music,” underscoring her lasting influence.
Although Sobule was scheduled to perform on Friday in Denver, an informal gathering will now replace the concert, allowing friends and fans to share memories and stories in her honor. A formal memorial is planned for later this summer, ensuring that her legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
Sobule is survived by her brother, James, as the community reflects on her life and the indelible mark she left on music and culture.