Popular singer-songwriter dies in tragic house fire at 66

By Oluwapelumi Oluwayemi

Jill Sobule, the acclaimed singer-songwriter known for her LGBTQ+ anthem “I Kissed a Girl,” tragically passed away in a house fire in Woodbury, Minnesota.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. She was 66 years old.

Sobule’s manager, John Porter, described her as “a force of nature and human rights advocate,” adding that her “music is woven into our culture.”

In a statement, he said, “I was having so much fun working with her. I lost a client and a friend today. I hope her music, memory, and legacy continue to live on and inspire others.”

Fellow artistes expressed their sorrow at her passing. Carrie Coon, star of White Lotus, shared on social media, “Jill Sobule was so special. Heartbreaking news.” Tracy Chapman also paid tribute, sharing a photo of herself with Sobule and writing on X, “We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Jill Sobule. Let’s honor the incredible singer-songwriter she was by listening to her music.”

Sobule had been scheduled to perform in Denver on Friday, but the show will now serve as a tribute to her life. A formal memorial is planned for later this summer.

Over her three-decade career, Sobule released 12 albums, tackling complex themes such as the death penalty, anorexia nervosa, reproductive rights, and LGBTQ+ issues. Her 1995 single “I Kissed a Girl” became a groundbreaking hit, reaching the Billboard Top 20 and becoming an anthem for the LGBTQ+ community. Despite being banned by several radio stations, it continued to have cultural impact, and in 2008, it gained renewed attention after Katy Perry released her own song with the same title.

Sobule’s career also included notable collaborations with artists like Neil Young, Cyndi Lauper, and Billy Bragg. In 2008, after facing financial struggles with her record label, she turned to crowdfunding to raise money for a new album, a pioneering move in the music industry.