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Tragic Mystery: Investigation Launched into Jill Sobule’s Death at 66 in House Fire

BBG News

An examination is underway regarding the enigmatic demise of Jill Sobule, following her death in a house fire this past week, as she was known for singing I Kissed A Girl.

66-year-old renowned pop artist, famous for timeless ’90s hits that graced the soundtrack of the beloved film Clueless, tragically passed away due to a fire at a home in Minneapolis.

Instead, an inquiry has been initiated to clarify the precise details surrounding her unfortunate death – whether it occurred prior to the fire starting or as a result of the flames.

In their attempt to establish the exact time she passed away, they are currently examining whether substances such as drugs, alcohol, or carbon monoxide could have been involved in her demise.

According to a representative from the Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s office in Minnesota, investigators are working to determine whether the person in question was already deceased before the house fire occurred, as reported by TMZ.

At approximately 5:30 a.m. on Thursday, authorities were informed of a house fire in progress. Upon their arrival, they commenced a search for a missing individual, tragically discovering that Sobule had already passed away.

According to reports, it has been confirmed that Sobule’s manager and representative announced her passing. Many people are grieving as she was known as a powerful force in nature and a champion for human rights, with her music deeply embedded in our society.

Sadly, Variety reports that Sobule died in a tragic house fire in Minneapolis during the early hours of Thursday morning.

According to local news sources, it was reported that firefighters received a call concerning a fire in the town of Woodbury, Minnesota at approximately 5:30 a.m. on Thursday.

By the time firefighters arrived, the house was already ablaze, with the origin of the fire yet to be determined. It appears that authorities are currently investigating this incident.

1995 saw Sobule gain significant recognition, as her song “I Kissed a Girl” from Clueless climbed to number 20 on the US Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart. At that time, it was the highest-charting openly LGBTQ-themed single on the Billboard charts.

Later on, there was a disagreement between her and Katy Perry when Perry released a popular song with the same title in 2008, approximately nine years after this incident.

2009 saw Sobule expressing strong criticism towards Perry, referring to her as “a damn impolite young woman” during an interview with The Rumpus, following earlier statements suggesting she was unbothered by the song.

2008 saw the singer-songwriter expressing that she wasn’t particularly attached to the title, yet she would feel a sense of excitement when her work was contrasted unfavorably with Katy Perry’s song.

Eventually, I found myself at odds with Perry when she decided to recycle the title of the song, as she herself declared that she conceived it in a dream.

To set the record straight, she collaborated with a group of skilled writers on this piece, and it was published by the same individual who also signed me back in 1995. In interviews, I’ve chosen not to disclose this information because I prefer not to come across as resentful or small-minded – that’s just not my personality.

In the same interview, Sobule vented her fury at Perry in a shocking tirade. 

Katy Perry, I find your actions disrespectful and unacceptable for stealing a title. I’m not convinced about your talent due to limited exposure, but I must say your language and behavior are quite inappropriate.

As a devoted fan, I’ve witnessed her stardom wane gradually through the years, yet she has persistently created and shared fresh tunes in more recent times.

On Friday, the artist was set to take the stage at Swallow Hill Music’s Tuft Theater in Denver, Colorado – her hometown.

Initially scheduled to present a concert featuring tracks from her latest autobiographical musical titled “F 7th Grade,” as well as other songs, it appears that Sobule’s show will transform into an informal memorial service, with radio host Ron Bostwick of 105.5 FM serving as the event organizer. This change comes following the unfortunate passing of the singer.

Her representative added that a more formal memorial to her life and work will be held this summer.

In a statement shared with Variety, Jill Sobule’s manager John Porter expressed that she was an unstoppable force in nature and a champion for human rights, whose music has left an indelible mark on society. He also mentioned his enjoyment of collaborating with her.

He went on to say, “Today, I’ve not only lost a valuable client but also a dear friend. May her beautiful music, her spirit, and the impact she made endure and inspire future generations.

Sobule’s longtime attorney, Ken Hertz, also paid tribute to her in a statement.

In a heartfelt manner, he expressed that Jill wasn’t simply a client to us; instead, she felt like family. She was always there for every significant event – births, birthdays, and holidays. Moreover, she even played at our daughter’s wedding, and during the pandemic, when she performed virtually from our home, I had the privilege of supporting her tech needs right here in our living room while we were sharing a roof with her.

From her initial release, “Things Here Are Different” in 1990, Sobule has put out a total of ten studio albums and two live recordings.

In addition, she appeared in a 2003 concert movie and put out a best-of album in 2001. Throughout the 2000s and early 2010s, she also released several extended plays (EPs).

Sobule was juggling several upcoming projects, one of them being the original soundtrack album for “F 7th Grade,” set to drop on June 6.

In 2022, the highly praised production received critical acclaim, earning the title of a New York Times Critics’ Pick. Subsequently, it sold out numerous extended performances beyond its initial off-Broadway run.

The musical performance by the singer, blending both contemporary and classic tunes, received a nomination for the Drama Desk Award.

7th Grade’s original cast album, along with a 30th anniversary re-release of her self-titled sophomore album, is set to hit the shelves.

The initial version of the album contained the song “I Kissed a Girl”, while later editions also added “Supermodel”, a track previously found on the Clueless soundtrack.

In August of 1995, the song, unlike “I Kissed a Girl” which Sobule wrote herself, was issued as the third track on the soundtrack album for the movie starring Alicia Silverstone.

However, unlike her significant achievements in that year elsewhere, Supermodel did not manage to make the US charts, although she enjoyed some moderate chart success in Australia.

In a bold move, Sobule, openly identifying as bisexual, didn’t shy away from tackling sensitive topics in her music, which potentially hindered her chances for continued chart success following her peak popularity in the mid-’90s.

Nonetheless, she managed to keep a loyal fanbase throughout her career, which ultimately helped her fund the recording of her 2009 album “California Years” through crowdfunding. This method was relatively new at the time, but it played a significant role in making this project possible.

Back in the game of crowdfunding, I found myself eagerly seeking support for my 2018 masterpiece, “Nostalgia Kills,” an album that would be my final studio creation before my departure from this world.

Beyond my professional endeavors, I had the privilege of composing the opening theme for the Nickelodeon sitcom Unfabulous, which ran from 2004 to 2007, featuring a budding actress by the name of Emma Roberts in the lead role.

Sobule leaves behind her brother, James Sobule, and his spouse, Mary Ellen, along with their nephews: Ian Matthew, Robert, and his partner, Irina.

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2025-05-02 22:06

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