Jill Sobule, the beloved singer-songwriter known for her hits “Supermodel” and “I Kissed a Girl,” tragically passed away on Thursday morning in a house fire in Woodbury, Minnesota, according to her publicist. She was 66 years old. Sobule’s death marks the end of an era for fans of her rebellious rock sound and her trailblazing contributions to LGBTQ representation in music.
The fire broke out at approximately 5:30 a.m., with the Woodbury Public Safety Department confirming that firefighters discovered the body of a woman in her 60s inside the home. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and the public is awaiting further details. Sobule had been staying with friends in Minnesota while rehearsing for her one-woman musical, Fck7thGrade*, which she had planned to perform in Denver the following day.
A Revolutionary Artist: Sobule’s Impact on Music and LGBTQ Representation
Jill Sobule’s legacy as a groundbreaking figure in music is cemented not only through her popular songs but also through her fearless advocacy for LGBTQ rights and women’s representation in the industry. Her 1995 self-titled album brought forth two songs that became anthems: “Supermodel” and “I Kissed a Girl.” The latter, which tells the story of a woman kissing her female friend, came at a time when being an openly queer musician was still a rarity. Sobule’s bravery in sharing her personal experiences helped pave the way for artists to come out and be true to their identities in an often-hostile industry.
In an interview with The New York Times in 2022, Sobule said, “People call me a one-hit wonder. And I say, ‘Wait a second, I’m a two-hit wonder!’” The acknowledgment of her hits shows the lasting cultural impact of her music, with “Supermodel” making its way onto the Clueless soundtrack, while “I Kissed a Girl” received mainstream attention in a time when queer representation was much more limited.
Sobule’s Musical Journey and Lasting Influence on Music and LGBTQ+ Artists
Born in Denver, Sobule’s musical journey began when she dropped out of school at an early age to pursue her passion for guitar. Her first album, Things Here Are Different (1990), included the single “Too Cool to Fall in Love,” which gained airplay on radio stations. The success of her self-titled 1995 album catapulted her into the limelight, and her unique mix of wit, candidness, and genre-defying music made her a fan favorite.
Despite the mainstream success of her early hits, Sobule’s subsequent albums didn’t reach the same level of commercial achievement but still garnered critical praise for their creativity and insightful lyrics. The New York Times described her music as exploring a diverse range of topics, from dumb boyfriends to Alzheimer’s disease, with a wit that set her apart from her contemporaries.
Her 2008 remarks about Katy Perry’s hit song, also called “I Kissed a Girl,” revealed Sobule’s complex feelings toward the use of the song title by a pop star, admitting she felt “jealous” but understood how mainstream visibility helped pave the way for acceptance in popular culture.
A Bold Advocate for Queer and Women’s Rights
In addition to her music career, Sobule was a staunch advocate for political and cultural issues, including the death penalty, LGBTQ+ rights, anorexia, and reproduction. She used her platform to amplify important causes and create a path for women and queer individuals in the music industry.
Sarah Kate Ellis, the president of GLAAD, praised Sobule’s influence on both queer people and women in music, saying, “She literally created a path for queer people and women in music.”
Her unapologetic embrace of her identity made her an influential voice for the LGBTQ+ community, especially during a time when queer artists often faced discrimination and exclusion in mainstream media. In her 2022 interview, Sobule reinforced the universality of her struggles, saying her musical Fck7thGrade* was designed to connect with anyone who felt like an outcast. “We wanted to make sure that the show wasn’t just for people interested in my career,” Sobule said. “It’s kind of this universal story of a weirdo growing up.”
A Fond Farewell: Jill Sobule’s Last Performance and Legacy
Sobule had planned to perform songs from her one-woman musical, Fck7thGrade*, on Friday at the Swallow Hill Music venue in Denver, where she was scheduled to perform in her hometown. Tragically, this performance was never to be. Instead, a free, informal gathering will be held in her honor as fans and loved ones reflect on her life and lasting impact.
Her music, advocacy, and role in shaping the music industry as a queer artist will continue to inspire future generations. Sobule’s voice was one of candidness, humor, and vulnerability, and her songs remain anthems for anyone who has ever felt like an outsider.
In a career that spanned over three decades, Jill Sobule proved that music is not only about the hits but about speaking truth to power, challenging societal norms, and embracing one’s identity. Her passing is a heartbreaking loss to the world of music, but her legacy will live on through her timeless songs and the trail she blazed for future queer musicians.
As the music world mourns the loss of a true pioneer, fans will forever remember Sobule for the boundary-pushing songs that became anthems of individuality, love, and defiance.
Jill Sobule’s Lasting Impact on Music and LGBTQ Representation
Sobule’s death at 66 marks the end of an era for those who found solace in her music. But her influence will not fade. For all who were touched by her music, the memory of Jill Sobule will live on as a symbol of resilience, honesty, and empowerment in music and beyond.