Jill Sobule Dies in Minnesota House Fire at 66

Jill Sobule, the pioneering singer-songwriter best known for her 1995 hit 'I Kissed a Girl,' died at age 66 in a house fire in Minneapolis (or Woodbury) on May 1. Sobule's 'I Kissed a Girl' was the first openly queer-themed song to reach the Billboard Top 20, and her three-decade career included work like 'Supermodel' from the 'Clueless' soundtrack and the Drama Desk-nominated musical 'F*ck 7th Grade.' She was preparing for a performance in Denver and was set to release the original cast recording of 'F*ck 7th Grade' on June 6. Sobule was also a noted human rights advocate and used her music to address social and political issues. Tributes from her manager, attorney, and fans emphasize her lasting impact on music and LGBTQ+ representation. A formal memorial service will be held later this summer to honor her legacy.