Jill Sobule died in a fire at her home in Minneapolis, Minnesota, early on the morning of May 1, her representative confirmed to Variety . She was 66 years old.
Jill Sobule died at the age of 66 in a house fire. Photo: Getty Images.
“Jill Sobule was a force of nature and a human rights advocate. Her music was so deeply embedded in our culture. I had so much fun working with her. I lost a dear client and friend today. I hope her music, her memory and her legacy continue to live on and inspire others,” said her manager, John Porter.
Details of Jill Sobule’s death are unclear. US media are awaiting an official statement from the Minneapolis Fire Department.
Sobule is scheduled to perform at Swallow Hill Music’s Tuft Theater in Denver, Colorado, on the evening of May 2.
After the sudden death, the theater announced the cancellation of the concert, replacing it with an intimate gathering organized by Ron Bostwick, a friend of the late singer.
“We are deeply saddened to share the news of Jill Sobule’s passing. Jill was a beloved member of the Swallow Hill community and we know she will be greatly missed. We send our deepest condolences to all who knew her and were touched, inspired, and entertained by her beautiful songs,” the statement said.
Jill Sobule was born in Denver in 1959. She is an iconic singer/songwriter of the 1990s.
She is best known for her 1995 hit I Kissed A Girl, which made history as the first song about homosexuality to reach the Billboard Top 20. Another hit that came out at the same time and made a splash in the American music industry was Supermodel .
Jill Sobule is considered one of the musical icons of the 1990s.
Over the course of her three-decade career, Sobule has released a total of 12 albums. Her songs are narrative, witty, and cover a wide range of topics, from the death penalty and petty theft to anorexia and the MAGA movement (Make America Great Again).
In her personal life, Jill Sobule is single. Her remaining relatives are her brother, sister-in-law and grandchildren.
Jill Sobule’s passing left a huge shock and grief for fellow artists.
American actress/writer Sarah Thyre wrote on Instagram: “This news is truly shocking. Jill Sobule was a wonderful and generous artist. She devoted her time and talent to abortion rights and other progressive causes… She was lovely, funny, earnest and talented. Her song I Kiss A Girl opened doors for gay people. This is so heartbreaking. Goodbye, sweet Jill. I am grateful to have been your fan and friend.”
Comedian Margaret Cho also said she couldn’t believe it. Meanwhile, a representative of the rock band The Fixx expressed her sadness. According to the share, the ill-fated singer had just finished a tour with the group a few days ago.
A representative said a memorial service for Jill Sobule will be held this summer, with no specific date yet set. In addition, a 30th anniversary album is scheduled for release on June 6.
