Singer-songwriter Jill Sobule, best known for her 1995 hits “I Kissed a Girl” and “Supermodel” from the ‘Clueless’ soundtrack, died early Thursday in a Minneapolis-area house fire.
The 66-year-old artist was confirmed dead by her manager John Porter in a statement to the ‘Minnesota Star Tribune’. Authorities in Woodbury, Minnesota—a Twin Cities suburb—are investigating the cause of the fatal blaze at Sobule’s residence.
How the LGBTQ Pioneer’s Career Spanned Decades of Critical Acclaim
Sobule’s groundbreaking single “I Kissed a Girl” made history as the first openly LGBTQ-themed song to crack the Billboard Top 20, peaking at No. 20 in 1995. Her music career included twelve albums, beginning with her 1990 Todd Rundgren-produced debut Things Here Are Different. At the time of her death, Sobule was preparing to perform in her hometown of Denver to showcase songs from F*ck 7th Grade, her autobiographical musical that earned a 2023 Drama Desk Award nomination.
The folk-pop artist gained mainstream recognition with “Supermodel,” featured in the iconic 1995 film ‘Clueless’. Her work blended satire and sincerity, tackling themes from social justice to personal vulnerability.
Sobule’s “I Kissed a Girl” resurfaced in pop culture when Katy Perry released a same-named (but unrelated) hit in 2008, introducing new audiences to Sobule’s original LGBTQ anthem.
Investigation Underway as Fans and Peers Pay Tribute
Woodbury fire officials have not yet released details on the cause of the fatal fire. Sobule’s unexpected death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans and fellow musicians, honoring her as a trailblazer for queer representation in music. Her manager’s statement emphasized Sobule’s enduring influence, from her early ’90s breakthroughs to her recent theatrical work.
