Singer Jill Sobule, known for ‘I Kissed a Girl,’ dies in house fire at age 66
Jill Sobule, a beloved singer-songwriter famous for her 1995 hit “I Kissed a Girl,” tragically passed away in a house fire in Minnesota at the age of 66. The fire occurred in Woodbury, just outside of Minneapolis, marking the end of a musical era that brought joy to many fans.
Sobule’s music career began in 1990 with her debut album titled “Things Here Are Different,” which featured the single “Too Cool to Fall in Love.” This song peaked at No. 17 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart, marking the start of Sobule’s rise to mainstream success.
In 1995, Sobule experienced her biggest breakthrough with the release of “I Kissed a Girl,” a song that made history by reaching the top 20 on Billboard’s Modern Rock chart, now known as the Alternative Airplay chart. This track became the first openly queer-themed song to achieve such recognition, solidifying Sobule’s impact on the music industry. The accompanying music video, featuring Fabio, further enhanced the song’s popularity.
Despite sharing the title with Katy Perry’s 2008 hit “I Kissed a Girl,” Sobule’s track was a distinct, separate piece of art. Sobule’s comments about Perry’s song, although made in jest, resulted in backlash from some of Perry’s loyal fans. However, Sobule clarified her intentions in a post for The Huffington Post in 2009, expressing her lack of ill feelings towards Perry and her appreciation for the opportunity to move past the association with “I Kissed a Girl.”
In addition to her hit singles, Sobule’s music made its way into popular culture through appearances on soundtracks, such as “Supermodel” in the movie “Clueless” starring Alicia Silverstone. Moreover, Sobule embraced the concept of crowdfunding early on, a forward-thinking approach that allowed her creative projects, including the off-Broadway musical “F— 7th Grade,” to come to life and receive critical acclaim.
Following her untimely passing, Sobule’s manager, John Porter, paid tribute to her as a “force of nature and human rights advocate,” emphasizing her lasting impact on music and culture. Although Sobule’s journey has come to an end, her legacy will continue to inspire and resonate with fans and aspiring artists alike.
Sobule’s scheduled performance in Denver has transformed into a memorial event to honor her life and contributions to the music industry. She leaves behind her brother, James, sister-in-law Mary Ellen, and nephews Ian Matthew and Robert, as well as Robert’s wife, Irina, as she is remembered fondly by her family, friends, and fans worldwide.