Sobule's satirical anthem Supermodel featured in the 1995 comedy Clueless
Jill Sobule, the trailblazing American singer-songwriter known for her candid and satirical songs about identity, social issues, and love, has died at the age of 66. Her publicist confirmed that she passed away in a house fire in the Minneapolis suburb of Woodbury. Authorities are still investigating the cause.
Sobule rose to prominence in the mid-1990s with her groundbreaking hit I Kissed a Girl, widely recognized as the first openly LGBTQ+ song to break into the Billboard Top 20. Her music often blended wit, empathy, and activism—touching on topics like anorexia, the death penalty, and gay rights long before they entered the mainstream conversation.
Born in 1959, Sobule spent over three decades carving out a space in the music world on her own terms. Her 1995 self-titled album featured two of her best-known tracks: the aforementioned I Kissed a Girl and Supermodel, which became a defining anthem of the teen comedy Clueless.
Her influence reached far beyond her chart success. In an era before platforms like Kickstarter were common, Sobule was one of the first artists to turn to fan-based crowdfunding to produce her albums. She also composed music for television and theater, including the theme song for Nickelodeon’s Unfabulous.
Sobule was scheduled to perform this Friday in her hometown of Denver, where she planned to showcase songs from her autobiographical stage musical. In place of the concert, a public gathering is now being organized to honor her life and work.
The news of her passing has sparked a flood of tributes across social media. English singer-songwriter Lloyd Cole wrote, “I’m really too numb to post much of anything. We loved her. She loved us.”
Her manager, John Porter, remembered her as “a force of nature and a human rights advocate whose music is woven into our culture. I lost a client and a dear friend. I hope her music, memory, and legacy continue to inspire others.”
Canadian music commentator Eric Alper reflected on her influence, calling her a pioneer. “She paved the way with heart, humor, and honesty. Songs like ‘I Kissed a Girl’ and ‘Supermodel’ didn’t just change the soundtrack—they changed the conversation.”
Actress Carrie Coon summed up the sentiment of many fans and fellow artists with a simple post: “Jill Sobule was so special. Heartbreaking news.”
