Jill Sobule, the singer-songwriter known for her hit song “I Kissed a Girl,” died in a house fire in Woodbury, Minnesota, on Thursday. She was 66 years old. The cause of the fire is still under investigation by local authorities.
The house showed significant damage on Friday, May 2, 2025.
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
Sobule’s manager, John Porter, said in a statement, “Jill Sobule was a force of nature and human rights advocate whose music is woven into our culture. 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.”
"Ms. Sobule, known for her advocacy as well as her music, died in a house fire. She had been scheduled to perform songs from an autobiographical musical she wrote." https://t.co/Yz2IXPzbTS
— National Women's History Museum (@womenshistory) May 2, 2025
Over her career, Sobule released 12 albums and tackled topics such as the death penalty, reproduction, and LGBTQ+ issues. Her first album, “Things Here Are Different,” came out in 1990.
Jill Sobule broke barriers and built new ones—with satire, heart, and a guitar. From inventing fan-funding to writing for a talking platypus, here are 5 things you didn’t know about her. https://t.co/oCyRFix2Jf
— Eric Alper 🎧 (@ThatEricAlper) May 2, 2025
In 1995, she gained widespread attention for her hit singles, “Supermodel” from the movie “Clueless,” and “I Kissed A Girl.” Despite being banned on several southern radio stations, “I Kissed A Girl” made it into the Billboard Top 20.
Terrible news.
Look up “Somewhere in New Mexico” or “Mexican Wrestler.” Or “Don’t Let Us Get Sick.” Via @ivanoransky. https://t.co/9YiSZiXZpM
— Matthew Herper (@matthewherper) May 2, 2025
Sobule’s enduring musical legacy
Sobule was scheduled to perform in Denver on Friday night.
According to her publicist, instead, there will be an informal gathering where attendees can “share a story or song. ” A formal memorial to celebrate her life and legacy will be held later this summer. Her booking agent, Craig Grossman, said, “No one made me laugh more.
Her spirit and energy shall be greatly missed within the music community and beyond.”
Sobule’s music often explored deeply personal and socially significant topics such as depression, eating disorders, and queerness. She pioneered artist in an era where such themes were rarely addressed in pop music. Beyond her contributions to queer representation, Sobule’s work frequently delved into her Jewish heritage and societal issues affecting the Jewish community.
Songs like “Attic,” “Heroes,” and “Resistance Song” showcased her thoughtful approach to these subjects. Jill Sobule’s legacy as a fearless, innovative artist who seamlessly intertwined her Jewish background with her queer identity will continue to inspire future generations. Her wit, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to authenticity ensure that her voice remains influential and cherished.
