Singer-songwriter Jill Sobule, best known for her groundbreaking 1995 hit “I Kissed a Girl,” tragically passed away on May 1, 2025, at the age of 66. According to official reports, the beloved musician died in a devastating house fire in Woodbury, Minnesota. The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation.
A Bold Voice in Music History
Born on January 16, 1959, in Denver, Colorado, Jill Sobule emerged in the 1990s in folk-pop scene. Known for her witty storytelling, raw honesty, and emotional depth, she used her music to explore complex themes such as identity, sexuality, mental health, and politics.
Her most notable breakthrough came with the song “I Kissed a Girl,” which made it to the Billboard Top 20 in 1995. Long before LGBTQ+ themes became mainstream in pop culture, Sobule brought same-sex attraction into the spotlight with grace, wit, and vulnerability. Despite facing resistance from conservative radio stations, the song became a cultural milestone.
Jill Sobule: A Multifaceted Career
Beyond her success with “I Kissed a Girl,” Jill Sobule created a vast and diverse body of work over four decades. She released 12 albums and collaborated with a wide range of musicians and artists. Songs like “Supermodel,” featured in the 1995 teen comedy Clueless, showcased her ability to blend humor with pop relevance.
In 2022, Sobule debuted an autobiographical musical called Fck 7th Grade*, an off-Broadway production that explored her formative years and identity. The play was met with critical acclaim and earned a Drama Desk nomination, further proving her versatility as an artist.
Trailblazer in Independent Music
After parting ways with traditional record labels, Jill Sobule became a pioneer in fan-funded music production. In 2008, she raised over $75,000 through crowdfunding to produce her album California Years. This innovative approach allowed her to maintain full creative control and helped inspire other independent musicians to follow a similar path.
Personal Struggles and Advocacy
In both her music and public life, Jill Sobule was open about her personal struggles. She candidly spoke about living with depression and anorexia, making her an important voice for mental health awareness. Identifying as bisexual, she consistently advocated for LGBTQ+ rights, women’s rights, and reproductive freedom, using her platform for activism and empowerment.
Remembering Jill Sobule
News of Jill Sobule’s death sent shockwaves through the music community and her loyal fanbase. Her manager described her as “a force of nature and a cultural icon” who used her art to challenge societal norms and celebrate human complexity.
A scheduled concert in Denver, originally set for May 2, was transformed into a memorial event. Fans gathered to pay tribute to the legacy of the I Kissed a Girl singer, sharing personal stories, memories, and the music that shaped their lives.
A formal Jill Sobule memorial service is being planned for later in the summer.
A Lasting Legacy
Singer-songwriter Jill Sobule leaves behind a legacy of honesty, innovation, and courage. From redefining pop narratives to trailblazing in the independent music scene. She showed that music could be both personal and political, funny and heartbreaking. Her fearless storytelling continues to inspire a new generation of musicians and activists alike.
Though the tragic Jill Sobule house fire ended her life too soon. Moreover, her impact on music, culture, and advocacy will never be forgotten.
