Jill Sobule, ‘I Kissed a Girl’ Singer-Songwriter, Dies Tragically at 66 in House Fire

Trailblazing singer-songwriter Jill Sobule, best known for her 1995 hit “I Kissed a Girl”, has died at the age of 66 following a tragic house fire in Woodbury, Minnesota. The devastating incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday, May 1, 2025, according to her publicity team and reports from local authorities.

Fatal House Fire Under Investigation

Police in Woodbury are currently investigating the cause of the fire that claimed Sobule’s life. Known for her fearless storytelling and satirical edge, Sobule was preparing to mark a major career milestone with two upcoming projects — including a 30th anniversary reissue of her self-titled Atlantic Records album.

“She was a force of nature and a human rights advocate whose music is woven into our culture,” said her longtime manager John Porter. “I hope her music, memory, and legacy continue to live on and inspire others.”

An Underrated Voice with an Unmistakable Sound

Born in Denver, Colorado, Sobule’s journey through the music industry was defined by both resilience and originality. Though she first signed with MCA Records in 1990 and worked with the iconic Todd Rundgren, her debut didn’t receive the attention it deserved, leading to early professional setbacks.

But Sobule didn’t give up. Her breakout moment arrived in 1995, when she released the song “I Kissed a Girl.” The playful-yet-emotional track captured attention for its open LGBTQ+ theme — a bold move in mainstream pop at the time.

The song became the first openly LGBTQ-themed single to chart in the Billboard Top 20, reaching No. 20 on the Modern Rock Tracks chart. Its accompanying MTV music video — featuring Italian model Fabio as the clueless boyfriend — added a layer of ironic charm that made it a cultural touchstone of the 1990s.

“I wanted to write about a first kiss. With a boy, it would be seen as childish. But with a girl, it became universal — from any age,” Sobule once said in an interview with *Knight-Ridder Newspapers*.

A Cultural Contributor Beyond One Hit

Later that year, Sobule’s track “Supermodel” was featured in the iconic teen film Clueless, cementing her status as a unique and influential voice in ’90s pop culture.

Over her career, she released eight studio albums, four EPs, and a greatest hits compilation. Her work explored themes far beyond romantic love — tackling issues like the death penalty, anorexia, religion, and LGBTQ+ identity — all through a signature blend of folk-pop storytelling and poignant satire.

Critics often compared her to the great singer-songwriters of the 1970s, noting her ability to balance wit and vulnerability in the same breath.

 

Remembering a Fearless Storyteller

Though Sobule never shied away from tackling serious subjects, her music always maintained a relatable and approachable tone. Whether she was making audiences laugh with razor-sharp lyrics or moving them with heartfelt ballads, Jill Sobule remained unapologetically herself.

She is survived by her brother, sister-in-law, nephews, and an extended family of cousins and close friends.

Fans around the world are mourning the loss of an artist who gave so many the courage to speak, sing, and live authentically.

“Whether she made you laugh or cry, Jill’s music made you feel something real,” shared a fan online. “Her voice will be missed, but her message will never fade.”