Jill Sobule, Acclaimed Singer-Songwriter, Dead at 66

Jill Sobule, the acclaimed singer-songwriter best known for her 1995 hit "I Kissed a Girl," tragically passed away at the age of 66 in a house fire early Thursday morning in Woodbury, Minnesota.

Born on January 16, 1959, in Denver, Colorado, Sobule's career spanned nearly four decades. She gained fame with "I Kissed a Girl," recognized as one of the first openly gay-themed songs to reach the Billboard Top 20. Her song "Supermodel," featured in the iconic teen film "Clueless," further solidified her cultural legacy.

Sobule was known for her witty, narrative-driven songwriting that tackled topics ranging from anorexia and depression to LGBTQ+ identity and social justice. Her 2000 album "Pink Pearl" included tracks like "Lucy at the Gym" and "Mary Kay," showcasing her ability to blend humor with poignant social commentary.

In addition to her music, Sobule created the autobiographical musical "F*ck 7th Grade," which earned a Drama Desk nomination. She was scheduled to perform in Denver the day after her death; instead, an informal memorial gathering will be held in her honor.

Tributes from her manager and longtime attorney highlight her deep personal relationships and enduring impact as a musician and human rights advocate. Posthumous releases, including the original cast recording of her musical and a reissue of her self-titled album, are set for release in the coming months.

For more information on Jill Sobule's life and work, you can visit her official website at jillsobule.com.