Jill Sobule, the acclaimed singer-songwriter known for her trailblazing 1995 hit “I Kissed a Girl”, has died in a house fire in Woodbury, Minnesota. She was 66.
Her publicist confirmed her passing on Saturday, noting that the cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Sobule rose to prominence in the 1990s with a unique blend of folk-pop and socially conscious lyrics, earning a reputation as both a musical talent and a courageous voice for LGBTQ+ rights. Her song “I Kissed a Girl” broke ground in mainstream music, long before similar themes were widely accepted in pop culture.
Her longtime manager, John Porter, paid tribute, describing Sobule as “a force of nature and human rights advocate” whose “music is woven into our culture.”
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Over the course of her career, Sobule released numerous albums and collaborated with artists across genres, while also working as an activist and speaker on issues of equality and identity.
Fans and fellow artists have begun sharing tributes on social media, remembering her not just for her musical impact, but for her bold voice in advocating for marginalized communities.
Further details surrounding the fire and memorial plans are expected in the coming days.
