Drama Desk nominee Jill Sobule passed away May 1, but her artistry lives on.
An immensely influential singer-songwriter, the cast recording for Ms. Sobule's critically lauded Off-Broadway musical F*ck7thGrade is set to be released June 6, and a music video she worked on prior to her death for the song "Underdog Victorious" is now available to view.
Ms. Sobule's representatives, David Elkin, Felice Ecker, and Lydia Krumper, shared the following message with Ms. Sobule's friends and fans to accompany the video.
"Last Thursday, the world lost one of its fiercest stars when Jill Sobule passed away tragically at 66 years young. Young, because those who knew her understood that she had so much left to share with the world. We have been deeply moved by the outpouring of love and support from friends and fans across the globe. It鈥檚 never been clearer that her impassioned work, both as a trailblazing singer-songwriter and outspoken political activist, fostered a deep and meaningful impact for people in all walks of life. Jill brought so much passion and joy to everything she did, we鈥檝e all tried to find some comfort looking back on the moments we鈥檝e shared with her and her work.
"This was going to be a big year for Jill. Just next month, on June 6, she was ready to celebrate the release of the Original Cast Recording of her Drama Desk-nominated autobiographical musical memoir F*ck 7th Grade. The performance piece debuted at a drive-in during the pandemic in Pittsburgh, before experiencing a three year run Off-Broadway at The Wild Project. She was also excited about the 30th anniversary of her landmark self-titled album with a special red vinyl reissue, marking the first time it鈥檇 be available in the format. Both coming out the very same day. Not to mention her warm, steady presence on stages across the country as she toured her Songs From F*ck 7th Grade & More shows. We will continue to shine a light on her music, and hope you鈥檒l join us as we toast her incredible artistry. Several of the shows previously scheduled in June & July are turning into celebrations of her life & music - we鈥檙e calling these shows Jillith Fairs.
"Today was supposed to be another celebration of her work with the release of 'Underdog Victorious' from F*ck 7th Grade. Though she isn鈥檛 here to celebrate with us, we want to share it now as a way to continue to bask in the light of her life and legacy. Her freewheeling, hopeful energy embroiled in its chorus 鈥� Underdog victorious / He was simply glorious / Someday he'd die notorious / Underdog victorious 鈥� carries even more weight now that she鈥檚 no longer with us. Rest in peace and power, Jill."
Read Ms. Sobule's full obituary here.
