Jill Sobule, Influential Singer-Songwriter, Dies in House Fire

Jill Sobule, the acclaimed American singer-songwriter best known for her 1995 hit 'I Kissed a Girl,' died at age 66 in a house fire in Woodbury, a suburb of Minneapolis. Sobule was celebrated as a pioneer for LGBTQ+ representation in music, with her chart-topping single widely regarded as the first openly gay-themed song to break into the Billboard Top 20. Over a three-decade career, she released 12 albums addressing social issues like the death penalty, anorexia, and LGBTQ+ rights, and her satirical track 'Supermodel' became a staple of the 'Clueless' film soundtrack. Sobule was also a trailblazer in music crowdfunding and recently worked on a Drama Desk-nominated autobiographical musical, with the cast recording and an album reissue set for release in June. Tributes from the music community and her management highlighted her vibrant energy, wit, and enduring cultural impact. Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire, and Sobule is remembered for her fearless advocacy and resonant storytelling.