Jill Sobule, Singer of ‘I Kissed a Girl’, Passes Away in House Fire at 66

Jill Sobule, the singer behind the hit “I Kissed a Girl,” has died in a house fire in Minneapolis. She was 66. Sobule had a known feud with Katy Perry over the song title, and her manager announced plans for a summer memorial. Tributes are pouring in from friends and colleagues remembering her dynamic presence and contributions to music.
Jill Sobule, best known for her timeless 1995 hit, “I Kissed a Girl,” tragically passed away at the age of 66 following a devastating house fire in Minneapolis early Thursday morning. Firefighters responded to the alarming blaze around 5:30 a.m., arriving only to find a home fully engulfed in flames. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, leaving many questions unanswered without the beloved singer-songwriter.
Her career was not just marked by catchy tunes; she also had a rather notorious feud with pop sensation Katy Perry. This rivalry kicked off back in 2008 when Perry released her own song titled “I Kissed a Girl,” which understandably ruffled some feathers. Initially, Sobule tried to shrug it off like it was just a minor kerfuffle, but things took a turn in 2009 when she vented frustration at Perry.
In a rather colourful rant, Sobule didn’t hold back, referring to Perry as a “f—— little s—” and took issue with her song as well. The tension continued to escalate after Katy claimed the song title came to her “in a dream.” Sobule, not one to mince words, critiqued this claim during an interview with Rolling Stone, telling fans, “In truth, she wrote it with a team of professional writers and was signed by the very same guy that signed me in 1995.”
Feeling a bit more feisty, Jill went on to say, “F— you, Katy Perry, you f—— stupid, maybe ‘not good for the gays,’ title-thieving, haven’t heard much else, so not quite sure if you’re talented…” You could certainly draw a line between musical influences here, if one dared.
In the aftermath of her death, John’s Porter, Jill’s manager, shared plans for a summer memorial, highlighting her impact on music and culture. Porter expressed, “Jill Sobule was a force of nature and human rights advocate whose music is woven into our culture. I was having so much fun working with her.”
Not only a client, but Ken Hertz, her long-time attorney, remembered her fondly as family. He recounted heartfelt moments, stating, “Jill showed up for every birth, every birthday, and every holiday,” which paints a picture of her close relationships beyond the stage.
Sobule had been scheduled to perform in Denver at Swallow Hill Music’s Tuft Theater just a day after her untimely death. Now, the venue will pay tribute to her memory with an informal gathering led by long-time friend Ron Bostwick from 105.5 FM. Her absence is felt deeply across the music community.
Whether admired for her music, or the drama she stirred up with pop contemporaries, Jill Sobule’s legacy is sadly cut short, yet she leaves behind a storied career and a mark on the hearts of many. It’s certainly a loss for the music industry—and for all those who appreciated her \”I Kissed a Girl\” era.
Jill Sobule’s unexpected death has left a significant void in the music world, and her complex relationship with Katy Perry adds an intriguing layer to her legacy. As tributes pour in from friends, colleagues, and fans, it’s clear that her music and vibrant personality will not be forgotten easily. Scheduled performances may go on, but they will now echo with memories of her fierce spirit and creative influence. Sobule will certainly be missed.
Original Source: www.the-express.com