Tragic Loss: Iconic Musician Jill Sobule Passes Away in Fire

Jill Sobule, the pioneering musician known for her impact on queer representation in music, has passed away at 66 due to a house fire. Sobule's legacy includes hit songs such as "Supermodel" and "I Kissed a Girl," and she was set to perform in Denver. Tributes from fans and fellow artists celebrate her contributions and long-lasting influence.

Jill Sobule, renowned for her groundbreaking contributions to music, has tragically passed away in a house fire in Minneapolis, as confirmed by her publicist. Best known for her anthem "I Kissed a Girl," widely recognized as the first openly-gay song to make a significant mark on the Billboard Top 20, Sobule was 66 at the time of her death. She had been preparing to present her new autobiographical musical in her hometown of Denver on Friday. In light of her unexpected passing, a public gathering will be held in her honor.

As tributes flood social media, fellow musicians are expressing their sorrow. Notably, Lloyd Cole expressed his shock, stating, "I'm really too numb to post much of anything. We loved her. She loved us." Jill Sobule's career spanned over thirty years, during which her music explored important topics like LGBTQ+ rights, the death penalty, and eating disorders. Her most successful work came from her 1995 album, which featured hits such as "Supermodel" and "I Kissed a Girl."

The latter gained renewed popularity in 2008, thanks to Katy Perry's similarly titled single. Sobule was ahead of her time, becoming a pioneering figure in using crowdfunding to finance her music and creating memorable scores for theater and TV, including Nickelodeon’s "Unfabulous."

John Porter, her manager, described her as a "force of nature and human rights advocate" whose influence is deeply embedded in American culture. He shared his grief, noting, "I lost a client & a friend today." Music correspondent Eric Alper remarked on her impact, stating that Sobule "paved the way with heart, humour, and honesty."

A heartbreaking message from actress Carrie Coon encapsulated the sentiment many are feeling, stating, "Jill Sobule was so special. Heartbreaking news." The local police are currently investigating the fire's cause, which tragically took a life too early.