Jill Sobule: A Trailblazing Voice in Pop Music
Jill Sobule, the Jewish pop singer whose groundbreaking hit “I Kissed A Girl” topped charts in the 1990s, has passed away at the age of 66. The tragic news was announced by her publicist on May 1, revealing that Sobule died in a fire at her home outside Minneapolis. Just a day later, she was scheduled to perform in Colorado, highlighting the suddenness of her loss.
Breaking Barriers with “I Kissed A Girl”
Sobule’s career took off in 1995 with the release of “I Kissed A Girl,” a song that explored a same-sex flirtation between two women. At a time when queer narratives were largely absent from mainstream pop culture, Sobule’s song was revolutionary. It resonated with many, including Sobule herself, who later identified as bisexual. She expressed that it was the kind of song she wished she could have heard during her teenage years, reflecting a longing for representation and acceptance.
The Impact of “Supermodel”
In the same year, Sobule released “Supermodel,” a satirical take on teen culture that gained further visibility when it was featured in the hit movie “Clueless.” The film, which centers around a Jewish teenager navigating life in Beverly Hills, has recently been revived with a new television series, ensuring that Sobule’s contributions to pop culture continue to be recognized.
A Unique Jewish Identity
Growing up in Denver, Sobule was the only Jewish student at her Catholic school. She described her upbringing as a “Denver Jew, third generation from the Old Country,” noting that her family practiced a secular version of Judaism. In a candid interview with Lilith Magazine, she humorously compared their approach to Judaism to that of an Olive Garden restaurant’s take on Italian cuisine.
Her early performances included a memorable role as “Miss Hanukkah and Queen Esther” in a school production, foreshadowing her later return to Jewish themes in her music and stage work.
Celebrating Jewish Heritage
Sobule’s connection to her Jewish roots remained strong throughout her career. She was a regular participant in the Downtown Seder, an annual musical Passover performance in New York City. In 2007, she performed in a revue of “Fiddler on the Roof” songs at a Jewish music festival, sharing the stage with notable figures like the Klezmatics and Theodore Bikel, who was synonymous with the character Tevye.
In 2016, Sobule made headlines by composing music for a new staging of “Yentl,” the Isaac Bashevis Singer story that gained fame through the 1986 film starring Barbra Streisand. Sobule appreciated “Yentl” for its exploration of transgender themes and sought to honor Singer’s original vision by incorporating a Jewish chorus into the music, rather than having the characters sing.
Recent Projects and Legacy
In 2022, Sobule showcased her versatility by playing both a cantor and the rabbi’s wife in “A Wicked Soul in Cherry Hill,” a play based on the true story of a New Jersey rabbi convicted of arranging his wife’s murder. Her performance was lauded by critics, with the Los Angeles Times describing it as a standout.
Sobule’s latest project, “F–k 7th Grade,” was an autobiographical musical that explored her experiences of being queer in middle school. The production received positive reviews during its off-Broadway run in New York City. Tragically, she was scheduled to perform songs from this musical in Denver on May 2, a venue that will now host an informal memorial service in her honor.
A Lasting Influence
Jill Sobule’s contributions to music and culture have left an indelible mark. Her ability to weave personal narratives with broader social themes has resonated with audiences and paved the way for future generations of artists. As fans and fellow musicians remember her, Sobule’s legacy as a trailblazer in pop music and a voice for the LGBTQ+ community will continue to inspire. For more information, visit JTA.org.
