Jill Sobule, Singer of ‘I Kissed a Girl,’ Dies in House Fire
Jill Sobule, a singer-songwriter known for her hits 'Supermodel' and 'I Kissed a Girl,' tragically died in a house fire at the age of 66 in Woodbury, Minnesota. Her career spanned over three decades, during which she released genre-defying albums and was an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ rights and other social issues. Her notable works include the 1995 self-titled album featuring 'Supermodel' and 'I Kissed a Girl,' which gained mainstream success despite the challenges of being a queer musician at the time. Sobule was preparing to perform her one-woman musical, 'F*ck7thGrade,' which reflects her experiences growing up as an outcast and her frustrations with societal norms. In addition to her music, she was recognized for her wit and candor, using her platform to address various cultural topics and influence the path for queer artists and women in music.
Jill Sobule, renowned for her songs 'Supermodel' and 'I Kissed a Girl,' passed away in a house fire in Woodbury, Minnesota, at the age of 66, as she was rehearsing for her upcoming musical performance.
'I Kissed a Girl,' released in 1995 during a time when being a queer musician was challenging, broke into the mainstream, resonating with audiences and securing a place on the Billboard charts.
Sobule's 1995 album, which also included 'Supermodel,' was influential, with 'Supermodel' featuring prominently in the soundtrack of the film 'Clueless,' further cementing her popularity.
Throughout her career, Sobule released several albums that, while not achieving mainstream chart success, were celebrated for their creativity and critical acclaim, with themes ranging from personal relationships to social commentary.
She was not only a musician but also a vocal advocate for LGBTQ rights, tackling issues such as the death penalty, anorexia, and the French Resistance, and inspiring other queer artists and women.
Her one-woman musical, 'F*ck7thGrade,' depicted her experiences of feeling out of place during her school years, reflecting a broader narrative of growing up as an outsider and aiming to connect with audiences who felt marginalized.
Sobule's legacy includes her contributions to music and culture, as well as being a trailblazer for queer representation in the music industry, with her life and work leaving a lasting impact on her fans and the communities she supported.