British singer, songwriter, and actress Marianne Faithfull, whose career spanned over six decades and who became one of the most iconic figures in the music industry, has died at the age of 78.
Born Marianne Evelyn Gabriel Faithfull on December 29, 1946, in Hampstead, London, Marianne was exposed to the world of music and art from an early age. Her mother was a Baroness, a teacher and a former actress, while her father, a former intelligence officer, was a professor of literature. This diverse background gave Faithfull a unique perspective on the world, which would later influence her work.
Faithfull’s musical career began in the mid-1960s when she was discovered at a party by Rolling Stones manager Andrew Loog Oldham, who voweed to make her a star. At just 17, Faithfull released her debut single, As Tears Go By, written by Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Oldham. The song became an instant hit and solidified Faithfull’s place in the music scene. With her distinctive voice and ethereal beauty, she was soon known as the epitome of the “swinging London” scene.
Her early success was marked by a string of pop hits, but it was during the late ’60s and early ’70s that Faithfull’s career began to take a more tumultuous turn. She became romantically involved with Jagger (and with two other Stones), and her image became intertwined with the chaotic rock-and-roll lifestyle. Let’s Spend the Night Together, You Can’t Always Get What You Want and Wild Horses were all songs said to have been written about her. Unfortunately, the pressures of fame, drugs, and a personal breakdown led to a series of struggles, including a period of heavy drug addiction.
Comeback
In 1979, Faithfull made an unexpected comeback with the album Broken English, which was a stark departure from her earlier pop music. The album was raw and confessional, touching on themes of personal despair, societal alienation, and the ravages of addiction. Broken English is often regarded as her artistic reinvention and one of her finest works, showcasing her deep, smoky voice and a newfound maturity in her songwriting.
Faithfull continued to evolve as an artist, experimenting with various genres, including rock, pop, and folk. She maintained a loyal fan base and critical acclaim for her authentic voice and personal lyrics. Throughout her career, she collaborated with various artists, including the Rolling Stones, Nick Cave, and Jim Morrison, while also appearing in films such as the notorious Girl on a Motorcycle.
In her late 70s, she inherited her mother’s ancient title and – technically a baroness – lived in Paris.In the last decade of her life, she had to cancel concert tours after being diagnosed first with breast cancer and then hepatitis C
Marianne Faithfull’s story is regarded as one of resilience and reinvention. From a pop star to a symbol of artistic integrity, her career continues to inspire. Marianne Faithfull will be revered not only for her contributions to music but also for her indomitable spirit in navigating both personal and professional challenges.
