Jill Sobule, Singer Behind Groundbreaking 1995 Hit "I Kissed a Girl," Dies at 66 in House Fire
Singer-songwriter Jill Sobule passed away at age 66 in a Minneapolis house fire on Thursday morning. Sobule was best known for her groundbreaking 1995 hit "I Kissed a Girl," the first openly gay-themed song to reach the Billboard Top 20.
Singer Jill Sobule wearing tan hat
Photo Credit: Jill Sobule for Uncensored Interview / CC by 2.0
Born in Denver in 1959, Sobule began her music career with her 1990 debut album "Things Here Are Different," produced by Todd Rundgren. Her career highlights include the songs "Supermodel" from the "Clueless" soundtrack and her autobiographical musical "Fuck 7th Grade," which received a Drama Desk nomination.
A pioneer in crowdfunding, Sobule successfully raised $75,000 in 2008 for her album "California Years" and later funded her "Nostalgia Kills" album through fan support.
Her manager John Porter remembered her as "a force of nature and human rights advocate whose music is woven into our culture." Her attorney Ken Hertz added that "Jill wasn't just a client. She was family to us."
A formal memorial celebrating Sobule's life will take place this summer. Tonight's scheduled performance at Denver's Swallow Hill Music's Tuft Theatre will be replaced by an informal gathering hosted by Ron Bostwick from 105.5 FM.
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