Jill Sobule, a pop singer and songwriter best known for her 1990s hit “I Kissed a Girl,” died in a house fire last week in Minneapolis. Authorities confirmed that Sobule, 66, was the sole fatality in a blaze that occurred early Thursday morning. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Sobule first rose to national prominence with “I Kissed a Girl,” a track released in 1995 that charted in the Billboard Top 20 and later gained recognition as one of the earliest openly gay-themed songs to achieve mainstream radio success. At the time, the song’s candid and humorous lyrics stood out in a music industry that had rarely touched on themes of same-sex attraction in pop culture. It was considered a milestone moment for LGBTQ+ representation in music.
In addition to her breakout hit, Sobule contributed the song “Supermodel” to the soundtrack of the 1995 film Clueless, a teen comedy that has since become a cultural touchstone. “Supermodel” played during a memorable scene featuring Alicia Silverstone’s character, Cher Horowitz, as she navigated her transformation from fashion-obsessed high school student to socially conscious volunteer.
Sobule remained active in music throughout her life, continuing to release albums and perform live. She had recently been preparing for a new performance titled Jill Sobule presents: Songs From F–k 7th Grade & More, scheduled for May 2 at the Tuft Theater at Swallow Hill Music in Denver, Colorado. The concert was canceled following news of her passing. Instead, the venue announced plans to host a free memorial gathering in her honor.
We are deeply saddened to hear of the tragic passing of @jillsobule
Let us listen to her music to honor the wonderful singer-songwriter she was. Our hearts go out to her family, friends and fans.This photo of Jill and Tracy was taken backstage at the 15th Annual Bridge Benefit… pic.twitter.com/MIe2N8RveF
— Tracy Chapman (@tchapmanonline) May 2, 2025
Friends and colleagues from the entertainment industry expressed grief over Sobule’s death and shared tributes on social media and in statements. Her manager, John Porter, described her as “a force of nature and human rights advocate whose music is woven into our culture.” He added, “I lost a client and a friend today. I hope her music, memory, and legacy continue to live on and inspire others.”
Ken Hertz, Sobule’s longtime attorney, also reflected on her personal impact, noting her close involvement with his family during holidays and major life events. “She wasn’t just a client. She was family to us,” he said. He recalled her performances during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she lived with his family and held virtual concerts from their home.
Booking agent Craig Grossman remembered Sobule as someone who brought levity and energy into every interaction. “No one made me laugh more,” he said. “Her spirit and energy shall be greatly missed within the music community and beyond.”
Over the course of her career, Sobule released 12 albums and created a semi-autobiographical musical titled F–k 7th Grade, which was staged in several theater runs. A cast recording of the musical is scheduled for release next month, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of her debut album, which featured “I Kissed a Girl” and “Supermodel.”
Sobule was born on January 16, 1959, in Denver, Colorado. She began her music career in the mid-1990s and was considered a pioneer in engaging with fans directly through crowdfunding to support her creative projects—an approach that was ahead of its time.
She is survived by her brother, James Sobule; her sister-in-law, Mary; and two nephews. Plans for a memorial later this summer are expected to be announced by her family and friends.
