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International Business Times
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- International Business Times
Jill Sobule, 'I Kissed a Girl' and 'Supermodel' Singer, Dies Tragically in Minneapolis House Fire Aged 66 as Tributes Pour In
Jill Sobule, the singer best known for her groundbreaking 1995 hit "I Kissed a Girl," has tragically died. She was 66 years old. The musician and songwriter died in a house fire in Minneapolis, Minnesota, early Thursday morning, several of her former colleagues confirmed to multiple news outlets. Sobule shot to fame with the hit song "I Kissed a Girl," often recognized as the first openly gay-themed track to break into the Billboard Top 20. Millennials will remember Sobule for her track "Supermodel," which appeared in the 1995 teen coming-of-age classic Clueless. Her death was announced just a day before she was set to take the stage for a performance. Tragic Death of a Legend Firefighters received a call about a fire in Woodbury, Minnesota, around 5:30 a.m. on Thursday, according to local reports. By the time emergency responders arrived, the house was already engulfed in flames. The cause of the fire remains unclear and is currently under investigation. Sobule was preparing to perform for Jill Sobule presents: Songs From F–k 7th Grade & More, at the Tuft Theater at Swallow Hill Music in Denver, Colorado, on Friday, May 2. The event has since been canceled, according to the venue's website. Instead, a free, informal memorial gathering will be held to honor her memory. Sobule, who also had a song featured in the iconic 1995 comedy "Clueless", reached number 20 on the U.S. Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart that same year with "I Kissed a Girl" — which, at the time, was the most commercially successful openly LGBTQ-themed song on the Billboard charts. Years later, she had a public spat with Katy Perry, who released a different hit titled I Kissed a Girl in 2008. In a 2009 interview with The Rumpus, Sobule slammed Perry, referring to her as a "f***ing little slut," despite previously saying she wasn't upset by Perry's song. Back in 2008, Sobule had said she didn't feel overly attached to the title, though she did admit it gave her some satisfaction when people said her version was better than Perry's. Over time, Sobule grew frustrated with Perry's use of the same song title, especially after the California Gurls singer claimed she had dreamed it up on her own. Tributes Pour In Several of Sobule's colleagues paid tribute to her following the tragedy. "Jill Sobule was a force of nature and human rights advocate whose music is woven into our culture. I was having so much fun working with her. I lost a client and a friend today. I hope her music, memory, & legacy continue to live on and inspire others," the singer's manager, John Porter, said in a statement. Sobule's booking agent, Craig Grossman, said, "I was fortunate enough to get to know Jill beyond a professional relationship. No one made me laugh more. Her spirit and energy shall be greatly missed within the music community and beyond." Over the course of her 30-year career, Sobule released a total of 12 albums. In addition to her hit tracks "I Kissed a Girl" and "Supermodel," she also created the autobiographical musical F–k 7th Grade, which enjoyed a four-run theater production. The original cast recording of the Drama Desk-nominated show is set to come out next month, coinciding with the 30th anniversary re-release of her self-titled album that includes both of her signature songs. Originally from Denver, she debuted with the album "Things Here Are Different in 1990." Her second record, however, was never officially released. She signed with Atlantic Records in 1995, a move that gave a major boost to her career.
Irish Daily Mirror
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Iconic '90s singer dies aged 66 after tragic house fire
The music world is mourning the loss of Jill Sobule, known for her 1995 hit single, I Kissed a Girl, who has tragically died at the age of 66. The singer-songwriter tragically died in a house fire in Minneapolis, Minnesota on Thursday, May 1, as confirmed by a representative to Variety. Jill was scheduled to perform in Denver on Friday at Swallow Hill Music's Tuft Theater with a show titled "Jill Sobule presents: Songs From F--k 7th Grade and More", reports The Mirror US. In light of her passing, the theatre will host an informal gathering led by her friend Ron Bostwick from 105.5 FM. Her manager, John Porter, released a heartfelt statement to Variety, saying: "Jill Sobule was a force of nature and human rights advocate whose music is woven into our culture. "I was having so much fun working with her. I lost a client and a friend today. I hope her music, memory, and legacy continue to live on and inspire others." Jill's booking agent, Craig Grossman, said: "I was fortunate enough to get to know Jill beyond a professional relationship. No one made me laugh more. Her spirit and energy shall be greatly missed within the music community and beyond." Ken Hertz, Jill's longtime attorney, added: "Jill wasn't just a client. She was family to us. She showed up for every birth, every birthday, and every holiday. She performed at our daughter's wedding, and I was her 'tech' when she performed by Zoom from our living room (while living with us) during the pandemic." The songstress was born in Denver in 1959 and made her mark on the music scene in 1990 with her debut album, Things Here Are Different. Five years on, Jill dropped her eponymous album Jill Sobule, which featured her groundbreaking track, I Kissed a Girl. This was one of the first openly LGBTQ+ songs to make it into the Billboard Top 20. The album also boasted her popular single, Supermodel. Jill was a staunch human rights advocate, using her music as a platform to address challenging issues such as capital punishment, anorexia nervosa, shoplifting, reproduction and the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement. She is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, James and Mary Ellen Sobule, and her beloved nephews, Ian Matthew and Robert and Robert's wife Irina. She is also survived by numerous beloved cousins and countless friends. There will be a formal memorial celebrating her life and legacy later this summer.
Daily Mirror
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
I Kissed A Girl singer Jill Sobule's tragic final social media post just days before death
I Kissed A Girl singer Jill Sobule took to social media just days before her tragic death, asking fans for help after having a 'hard time' on tour Jill Sobule took to social media just days before her tragic death, as she opened up about the struggles of going on tour in an emotional post. The singer-songwriter tragically died in a house fire in Minneapolis, Minnesota on Thursday, May 1, as confirmed by a representative to Variety. She was 66. Jill was due to to perform in Denver tonight at Swallow Hill Music's Tuft Theater with a show titled "Jill Sobule presents: Songs From F--k 7th Grade and More." Taking to her Instagram earlier this week, Jill posted a black and white cartoon drawing of three mermaids, two playing the guitar and one playing the drum. In the caption, she penned: "It's been hard being on tour. I somehow messed up my back and have sciatica. The morning is the worst. Any advice? Any good back docs, psychical therapist etc in LA? I'll be there in a few weeks. In the meantime, a cartoon." Since the news of Jill's tragic death, fans have rushed to the comments to mourn the star. "You were one of my favourite songwriters. Your songs will be forever, RIP," wrote one. A second said: "What an eerie last post. She was groundbreaking for the LGBTQ community. An amazing person/songwriter/musician. Rest easy Jill." "I chose your song for my post earlier tonight because it made me smile, and brought back such happy memories…and then I saw the news. Thank you for the joy you gave," penned a third fan. Jill made history with her 1995 single I Kissed a Girl as the first openly gay-themed song ever to crack the Billboard Top 20. As an avid human rights advocate, Jill used her music as a platform to address challenging issues including capital punishment, anorexia nervosa, shoplifting, reproduction and the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement. After Jill's tragic death. her manager, John Porter, released a heartfelt statement, saying: "Jill Sobule was a force of nature and human rights advocate whose music is woven into our culture. "I was having so much fun working with her. I lost a client and a friend today. I hope her music, memory, and legacy continue to live on and inspire others. Jill's booking agent, Craig Grossman, added: 'I was fortunate enough to get to know Jill beyond a professional relationship. No one made me laugh more. Her spirit and energy shall be greatly missed within the music community and beyond.'
Daily Record
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
'I Kissed a Girl' singer Jill Sobule dies aged 66 after fire rips through home
Singer-songwriter Jill Sobule, known for her 1995 hit single "I Kissed a Girl", has died at the age of 66 after a fire broke out at her home, a representative has confirmed. Jill Sobule, known for her 1995 hit single "I Kissed a Girl", has tragically died at the age of 66 in a house fire as the music world mourns her loss. The singer-songwriter sadly died in a blaze inside a home in Minneapolis, Minnesota on Thursday, May 1, as confirmed by a representative to Variety. Jill was scheduled to perform in Denver on Friday at Swallow Hill Music's Tuft Theater with a show titled "Jill Sobule presents: Songs From F--k 7th Grade and More." Now the theater will host an informal gathering led by her friend Ron Bostwick from 105.5 FM in light of her passing, reports the Mirror. Her manager, John Porter, released a heartfelt statement to the publication, which read: "Jill Sobule was a force of nature and human rights advocate whose music is woven into our culture." He went on to express his personal loss: "I was having so much fun working with her. I lost a client and a friend today. I hope her music, memory, and legacy continue to live on and inspire others", reports the Mirror US. Jill's booking agent, Craig Grossman, spoke about how funny she was. He noted: 'I was fortunate enough to get to know Jill beyond a professional relationship. No one made me laugh more. Her spirit and energy shall be greatly missed within the music community and beyond.' Ken Hertz, Jill's longtime attorney, also shared his sentiments about hoe she was like family to him. He added: "Jill wasn't just a client. She was family to us. She showed up for every birth, every birthday, and every holiday. She performed at our daughter's wedding, and I was her 'tech' when she performed by Zoom from our living room (while living with us) during the pandemic." The songstress was born in Denver in 1959 and first made her mark on the music scene in 1990 with her debut album, "Things Here Are Different." Five years on, Jill dropped her eponymous album Jill Sobule, which featured her groundbreaking track "I Kissed a Girl." This was one of the first openly LGBTQ+ songs to make it into the Billboard Top 20. The album also boasted her popular single "Supermodel." Jill was a staunch human rights advocate, using her music as a platform to address challenging issues such as capital punishment, anorexia nervosa, shoplifting, reproduction and the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement. She is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, James and Mary Ellen Sobule, and her beloved nephews, Ian Matthew and Robert and Robert's wife Irina. She is also survived by numerous beloved cousins and countless friends. There will be a formal memorial celebrating her life and legacy later this Summer. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Daily Mirror
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
'I Kissed a Girl' singer Jill Sobule dies aged 66 after fire rips through her home
Singer-songwriter Jill Sobule, known for her 1995 hit single "I Kissed a Girl", has died at the age of 66 after a fire broke out at her home, a representative has confirmed The music world is mourning the loss of Jill Sobule, known for her 1995 hit single "I Kissed a Girl", who has tragically died at the age of 66. The singer-songwriter tragically died in a house fire in Minneapolis, Minnesota on Thursday, May 1, as confirmed by a representative to Variety. Jill was scheduled to perform in Denver on Friday at Swallow Hill Music's Tuft Theater with a show titled "Jill Sobule presents: Songs From F--k 7th Grade and More." In light of her passing, the theater will host an informal gathering led by her friend Ron Bostwick from 105.5 FM. Her manager, John Porter, released a heartfelt statement to the publication, saying: "Jill Sobule was a force of nature and human rights advocate whose music is woven into our culture." He went on to express his personal loss: "I was having so much fun working with her. I lost a client and a friend today. I hope her music, memory, and legacy continue to live on and inspire others", reports the Mirror US. Jill's booking agent, Craig Grossman, noted: 'I was fortunate enough to get to know Jill beyond a professional relationship. No one made me laugh more. Her spirit and energy shall be greatly missed within the music community and beyond.' Ken Hertz, Jill's longtime attorney, also shared his sentiments: "Jill wasn't just a client. She was family to us. She showed up for every birth, every birthday, and every holiday. She performed at our daughter's wedding, and I was her 'tech' when she performed by Zoom from our living room (while living with us) during the pandemic." The songstress was born in Denver in 1959 and made her mark on the music scene in 1990 with her debut album, "Things Here Are Different." Five years on, Jill dropped her eponymous album Jill Sobule, which featured her groundbreaking track "I Kissed a Girl." This was one of the first openly LGBTQ+ songs to make it into the Billboard Top 20. The album also boasted her popular single "Supermodel." Jill was a staunch human rights advocate, using her music as a platform to address challenging issues such as capital punishment, anorexia nervosa, shoplifting, reproduction and the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement. She is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, James and Mary Ellen Sobule, and her beloved nephews, Ian Matthew and Robert and Robert's wife Irina. She is also survived by numerous beloved cousins and countless friends. There will be a formal memorial celebrating her life and legacy later this Summer.
