Bisexual musician Jill Sobule dies in Minneapolis house fire

Jill Sobule, a pioneering American songwriter best known for her hit song "I Kissed a Girl," which is credited as the first openly gay-themed track to break into the Billboard Top 20, tragically passed away in a house fire in Minneapolis according to her publicist. She was 66 years old.

Sobule, whose satirical song "Supermodel" gained fame as part of the 1995 film "Clueless," had been scheduled to perform on Friday in her hometown of Denver, Colorado, where she intended to present music from her autobiographical stage musical. In light of her passing, a tribute gathering will be held in her memory.

As reported by the BBC, fans and fellow musicians have been expressing their sorrow on social media, including English artist Lloyd Cole, who shared, "I'm really too numb to post much of anything. We loved her. She loved us."

Born in 1959, Sobule's career spanned over 30 years as she addressed subjects such as the death penalty, anorexia, and LGBTQ+ rights in her work. Her most notable album, released in 1995, included both "Supermodel" and "I Kissed a Girl."

Sobule was also an innovator in crowdfunding music releases and contributed to various theatre and television projects, including writing the theme for Nickelodeon’s “Unfabulous.”

John Porter, her manager, described Sobule as a "force of nature and human rights advocate whose music is woven into our culture." He expressed his deep sense of loss, saying, "I lost a client and a friend today. I hope her music, memory, and legacy continue to live on and inspire others."

Canadian music correspondent Eric Alper remarked that Sobule "paved the way with heart, humour, and honesty," highlighting her impact as an openly gay artist. American actress Carrie Coon also noted, "Jill Sobule was so special. Heartbreaking news."

Authorities in Woodbury are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the fire that took Sobule's life. Her manager confirmed her death in a statement to the Minnesota Star Tribune, reflecting on her significant contributions to the music industry and society.

Sobule's diverse discography, which includes numerous albums beginning with her Todd Rundgren-produced debut, "Things Here Are Different," showcases her evolution as an artist who delved into both personal and socially conscious themes throughout her career.