Beloved 90s singer-songwriter Jill Sobule has tragically passed away in a house fire at her Minnesota home. The influential LGBTQ+ pioneer was 66.
Jill Sobule, best known for her groundbreaking 1995 hit “I Kissed a Girl,” has died in a devastating house fire that broke out on the morning of May 1, 2025, in Woodbury, Minnesota, according to reports confirmed by Rolling Stone.
Authorities are still investigating the cause of the blaze that claimed the life of the iconic singer. Sobule’s death has shocked fans around the world, especially those who remember her as a fearless voice in both music and activism.
A True Trailblazer in 90s Music
Before Katy Perry ever kissed a girl on the charts, Jill Sobule made waves as one of the first mainstream artists to openly explore same-sex attraction in a song. Her 1995 single “I Kissed a Girl” wasn’t just catchy — it was culture-shifting.
The music video, which featured the chiseled Italian model Fabio as her oblivious boyfriend, became a surprise hit on MTV and helped her song climb into the Billboard Top 20 — a historic first for an openly LGBTQ+ themed track.
But Sobule was never just a one-hit wonder. Her satirical song “Supermodel” also became a fan favorite after being featured in the cult-classic film Clueless, cementing her status as a ’90s music icon.
Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
A Voice for the Misunderstood
Over her 30-year career, Sobule released eight studio albums, four EPs, and built a legacy as a bold, witty lyricist who tackled themes like body image, the death penalty, and mental health. Her fearless approach to songwriting inspired a generation.
She was often compared to legendary singer-songwriters like Joni Mitchell, but with a uniquely modern edge. Her lyrics were honest, quirky, and always deeply human.
“She was a force of nature — an artist and activist whose music told the truth,” said longtime manager John Porter. “Her voice will live on.”
Sobule had recently been preparing for the 30th-anniversary reissue of her 1995 self-titled album, just weeks before her sudden death.
Gone, But Never Forgotten
Sobule is survived by her brother, sister-in-law, extended family, and a loyal fan base that continues to celebrate her groundbreaking work.
Her influence stretched far beyond music. She was a cultural pioneer for LGBTQ+ representation, an artist who gave permission for others to be unapologetically themselves.
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Whether she made us laugh with irony or cry with raw vulnerability, Jill Sobule left behind a legacy of truth, courage, and unforgettable songs.
Rest in peace, Jill. The world was better with your voice in it. 💔
