Songwriter Jill Sobule and her lasting mark on music

Jill Sobule, a well-known musician, passed away at 66. She was a powerful voice in the music world, especially for those who loved her song "I Kissed a Girl. " This song, which spoke to many, brought her a lot of attention. Her career spanned over three decades, during which she released 12 albums. These albums tackled big topics like the death penalty, eating disorders, and LGBTQ+ issues. Her first album, "Things Here Are Different, " came out in 1990. It was her 1995 hits "Supermodel" and "I Kissed a Girl" that really put her on the map. "I Kissed a Girl" even made it to the Billboard Top 20, despite being banned on some radio stations. Sobule was not just a singer. She was also an activist and a storyteller. She wrote an autobiographical musical that premiered in New York in 2022. This musical included songs and stories from her life. She was also known for taking control of her career. In 2008, after facing setbacks from record companies, she raised money from fans to make a new album. She believed in doing things her way, not waiting for others to make decisions for her. Sobule was born in Denver, Colorado. She described herself as a shy child who preferred watching over participating. She was known for her live performances, which she often described as vulnerable experiences. She didn't use a set list and would often improvise. She performed with many icons, including Neil Young, Billy Bragg, and Cyndi Lauper. She also sang on an episode of "The Simpsons" in 2019. Her death was confirmed by her publicist. She was set to perform in Denver but instead, a gathering was held to share stories and songs. A formal memorial will be held later this summer. She is survived by her brother, sister-in-law, nephews, and cousins. She will be greatly missed in the music community and beyond.