Jill Sobule, the acclaimed singer-songwriter known for her groundbreaking LGBTQ+ anthem “I Kissed A Girl,” tragically passed away in a house fire in Woodbury, Minnesota. Her manager, John Porter, described her as a “force of nature and human rights advocate,” emphasizing how her music has profoundly impacted our culture. The news of her untimely death has deeply saddened fans and fellow artists, including White Lotus star Carrie Coon and singer-songwriter Tracy Chapman.

Throughout her illustrious career spanning over three decades, Sobule released 12 albums delving into complex themes such as the death penalty, anorexia nervosa, reproduction, and LGBTQ+ issues. Her musical journey began with her debut album, “Things Here Are Different,” in 1990, eventually leading to hits like “Supermodel” and the iconic “I Kissed A Girl,” which reached the Billboard Top 20 despite facing bans on some radio stations.

Notably, Sobule’s resilience and creativity shone through her embrace of crowdfunding in 2008 after facing setbacks in the music industry. She engaged with her fans to fund a new album following challenges with major record labels. Additionally, she ventured into the world of theater, starring in an autobiographical off-Broadway musical showcasing her life stories and songs.

Despite her numerous accomplishments and collaborations with music legends like Neil Young and Cyndi Lauper, Sobule remained humble and driven to continue evolving as an artist. Her legacy will undoubtedly endure through her music, inspiring future generations. Survived by her brother, sister-in-law, nephews, and cousins, Jill Sobule leaves behind a lasting impact on the music industry and LGBTQ+ representation.