British Singer Marianne Faithfull, Rolling Stones Muse and Pop Icon, Dies at 78
British singer-songwriter and actress Marianne Faithfull, known for her influential role in 1960s rock music and her close association with The Rolling Stones, has passed away peacefully in London at age 78, according to her promotion company Republic Media.
Marianne Faithfull, singer, dies at 78
Photo Credit: Marianne Faithfull by A. Vente, 1966 / CC by 3.0
Rising to fame at age 16, Faithfull's breakthrough came with her 1964 hit "As Tears Go By," written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. Her relationship with the Rolling Stones proved both creatively fertile and personally challenging, inspiring numerous classics including "Wild Horses," "Sister Morphine," and "You Can't Always Get What You Want."
During her relationship with Mick Jagger from 1966 to 1970, Faithfull became a pivotal figure in London's cultural scene. However, she faced significant personal struggles, including heroin addiction and homelessness in the early 1970s.
She experienced a remarkable comeback with her 1979 album "Broken English," which established her as an influential artist in her own right. Beyond music, Faithfull built a successful acting career, appearing in productions ranging from stage classics like "Hamlet" to films such as "Marie Antoinette" and the TV series "Absolutely Fabulous."
Mick Jagger paid tribute on Instagram, stating: "She was so much a part of my life for so long. She was a wonderful friend, a beautiful singer, and a great actress."
Faithfull's legacy encompasses not only her musical contributions but also her resilience and artistic evolution across a career spanning six decades. She remained an influential figure in British popular culture until her passing.