Woodbury, Minnesota — Jill Sobule, known for her daring and poignant music, passed away at the age of 66 in a house fire on Thursday. Her publicist, David Elkin, and manager, John Porter, confirmed her death. First responders found a woman in her 60s deceased at the scene when they arrived shortly after dawn, and the cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
At the time of the incident, Sobule was residing with friends in Minnesota prior to a scheduled performance in her hometown of Denver, where she was set to showcase her autobiographical musical, “F*ck 7th Grade.” In lieu of her concert, the venue, Swallow Hill Music, has announced an informal gathering to honor her memory.
Porter expressed the profound influence Sobule held, stating, “Jill Sobule was a force of nature whose music is woven into our culture. I hope her music, memory, and legacy continue to inspire others.” Her loss left a significant impact on the artistic community, including comedian and actress Margaret Cho, a friend who expressed her shock and disbelief on social media.
Sobule’s catalog of work often combined humor and sharp social commentary, making her songs resonate on multiple levels. Her track “Supermodel” gained attention after being featured in the iconic 1995 film, “Clueless.” She also contributed music to NPR, delivering a memorable performance of her song “Philosophy 101,” with lyrics that mirrored her unique perspective.
The song “I Kissed a Girl” stands as Sobule’s most recognized work, presenting a cheeky narrative of a same-sex encounter. This single marked a groundbreaking moment for LGBTQ representation in mainstream music and reached No. 67 on the Billboard Hot 100. Reflecting on her experiences, Sobule recounted meeting with record executives who expressed relief at having a straight female artist, an interaction that startled her.
“Long before it was safe or common, Jill was writing and singing about sexuality and identity with raw honesty and wit,” said Sarah Kate Ellis, president and CEO of GLAAD. Her courage in addressing topics of sexuality and identity paved the way for many contemporary artists who proudly embrace their truths.
Following her initial success, Sobule faced challenges in maintaining her commercial momentum, leading her to seek support from her fanbase through crowdfunding. This initiative helped her raise nearly $89,000 for her album “California Years,” establishing her as a pioneer in the DIY music scene.
Originally from Denver, Sobule developed her musical talent early on and shifted from drumming to playing the guitar, a transition encouraged by her parents. Her career took off after performing in a Spanish nightclub, leading her to abandon college to pursue music full-time. She released a total of 12 albums, addressing social issues ranging from anorexia to LGBTQ rights.
Sobule is survived by her brother, sister-in-law, nephews, and cousins. A formal memorial celebrating her life and contributions to music is planned for later this summer, ensuring her legacy will continue to inspire future generations.