Jill Sobule, Trailblazing “I Kissed a Girl” Singer-Songwriter, Dies at 66 in House Fire

Jill Sobule, the fearless singer-songwriter who broke new ground with her 1995 hit “I Kissed a Girl,” has died at age 66 following a devastating house fire.

Sobule passed away early Thursday morning, May 1, in a blaze at her home in Woodbury, Minnesota, according to a statement from her publicist. Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire, which was first reported by the Star Tribune.

Her passing comes just weeks before the planned release of two major projects, including a 30th anniversary reissue of her self-titled Atlantic Records album that brought her mainstream success.

An Underrated Icon of the ’90s

Often regarded as one of the most underappreciated artists of the 1990s, Sobule carved out a unique space in pop music—honest, bold, and unafraid to tackle difficult topics like the death penalty, eating disorders, and LGBTQ+ identity. Her music, rich in both storytelling and social commentary, spanned more than three decades.

Born in Denver, Colorado, Sobule launched her music career in 1990 with an album produced by the legendary Todd Rundgren. Though the project failed to gain traction, Sobule refused to give up.

Her Breakthrough Moment

Her defining moment came in 1995 with the release of “I Kissed a Girl,” a playful yet emotionally resonant song that became a cultural landmark. It was the first openly LGBTQ+ themed single to chart on the Billboard Top 20, reaching No. 20 on the Modern Rock Tracks chart.

The accompanying music video, which starred Italian model Fabio as Sobule’s oblivious boyfriend, became an MTV favorite. The mix of humor, tenderness, and subversion struck a chord with audiences at a time when queer representation in pop was still rare.

“I wanted to write about a first kiss,” Sobule said at the time. “With this, I could talk about it from any age, which I thought was really intriguing.”

That same year, she scored another pop culture moment with her song “Supermodel,” featured in the hit teen comedy Clueless.

A Lifelong Voice for Truth

Throughout her career, Sobule released eight studio albums, four EPs, and a greatest hits compilation. Her music blended folk-pop melodies with witty, character-driven lyrics and an activist’s heart. Her work often drew comparisons to the great singer-songwriters of the ’70s—but her voice, tone, and message were unmistakably modern.

In a statement, her longtime manager John Porter described her as “a force of nature and a human rights advocate whose music is woven into our culture.”

“I hope her music, memory, and legacy continue to live on and inspire others,” he added.

Sobule is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, her nephews, extended family, and a close circle of friends, according to CNN.

A Lasting Legacy

Whether making listeners laugh with her satirical humor or bringing them to tears with her raw honesty, Jill Sobule never shied away from being herself—and, in doing so, empowered countless others to do the same.

Rest in peace, Jill. Your voice changed lives—and it will never be forgotten.