Jill Sobule

Jill Sobule, a singer-songwriter best known for her hit singles "I Kissed A Girl" and "Supermodel," died May 1, 2025, in a house fire at her home in Woodbury, Minnesota at the age of 66.

Sobule rose to fame in the mid-1990s, a time when female singer-songwriters were having a major moment in the spotlight. Sobule stood out thanks to her ability to merge catchy pop melodies with heartfelt topics and genuine vulnerability, writing songs that tackled the LGBT experience, reproductive rights, anorexia, and more. Her 1990 debut, "Things Here Are Different," did not chart, but her self-titled 1995 record proved to be a big hit, thanks to the single "I Kissed a Girl," a flirty story about a woman's growing interest in other women. That same record spawned another hit, "Supermodel," a stark takedown of the social pressure on women that was also featured in the film "Clueless."

But Sobule was more than two singles. Over the course of her career, she released 10 albums, several live records, and more, touring the world throughout it all. She was also a pioneer of crowdfunding, utilizing the power of Internet fandom and social media to finance albums like "California Years" and "Nostalgia Kills" well before doing so became commonplace.

Music artists came together to pay tribute to Sobule on social media. Legendary artist Marshall Crenshaw said, "I feel like my world is shrinking- I've lost other friends recently, but this one is shocking. Jill was brilliant." Songwriter Amy Rigby said, "I was always in awe of her talent but she was so sweet and kind it wasn't possible to be intimidated by her. One of the best performers I've ever seen, smart funny and vulnerable, she was fearless and made everyone instantly fall in love with her. I only hope she's resting from all the hard work, up there laughing at the world she helped make a better place."

And Chris Difford, one of the founding members of Squeeze, said, "She entered the room with the biggest smile and in every group she wrote with she lit everyone with inspiration. I wish I had the chance to write more with Jill, we did once talk about a tour together in America but sadly it never happened. Her charm and wisdom filled the house each day and the songs written were perfect."

By Eric San Juan

(Image: Fred Hayes/WireImage for Sundance Film Festival)