Marianne Faithfull, Iconic Singer and Actress, Dies at 78

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Marianne Faithfull, the legendary singer and actress, has passed away at the age of 78, her spokesperson has confirmed.  

 

Born in Hampstead in December 1946, Faithfull rose to fame in the 1960s with her hit song *As Tears Go By*, which reached the UK top 10 in 1964. She also starred in films such as *The Girl On A Motorcycle* (1968), cementing her place as a cultural icon of the era. In addition to her artistic success, she was widely known for her relationship with Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger, inspiring classic songs like *Wild Horses* and *You Can't Always Get What You Want*.  

For Marianne 💛 pic.twitter.com/QXrIuOaWK8

— The Rolling Stones (@RollingStones) January 30, 2025

 

Despite achieving early fame, Faithfull struggled with heroin addiction in the 1970s, a period that saw her living homeless on the streets of Soho. However, she made a remarkable comeback with the 1979 album *Broken English*, which defined the second phase of her career. Showcasing a raw, world-weary voice, the album was a striking departure from her earlier folk-pop style and earned her a Grammy nomination.  

 

Jagger paid tribute, calling her "a wonderful friend, a beautiful singer and a great actress," adding that he was "so saddened" by her passing. Keith Richards shared that he was "so sad" and that he "will miss her." Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood also honored her memory, posting an old studio photo of himself with Faithfull and Richards, captioned "Farewell dear Marianne," followed by a more recent image with the message, "Marianne will be dearly missed. Bless her xx."  

 

 

Faithfull’s spokesperson released a statement confirming her peaceful passing in London, surrounded by her loving family. "She will be dearly missed," the statement read.  

 

 

Throughout her life, Faithfull faced significant health challenges, including bulimia, breast cancer, and emphysema caused by decades of smoking. In 2020, she contracted Covid-19 and was hospitalized for 22 days. Doctors did not expect her to survive, yet she defied the odds and released her 21st album, *She Walks in Beauty*, a year later.  

 

Faithfull's career was a testament to resilience. She was discovered at 16 by the Rolling Stones’ manager and became a key figure in the "British Invasion" of the U.S. pop charts with her ethereal, folk-pop style. However, it was her later reinvention that truly defined her artistic legacy. In recent years, she collaborated with songwriters like PJ Harvey and Nick Cave, both of whom regarded her as a major influence.  

 

Other artists she worked with over the years included David Bowie, Lou Reed, Jarvis Cocker, Damon Albarn, Emmylou Harris, and Metallica. Lars Ulrich, Metallica’s drummer, expressed his gratitude for Faithfull’s "incredible and unique contribution to our music, and for always being so willing to join us in performing it."  

 

Her remarkable life and career spanned decades, from the youthful innocence of the 1960s to the haunting, mature artistry of her later years. Marianne Faithfull leaves behind a legacy of music, resilience, and cultural influence that will endure for generations.

 

 

Based on a report by BBC 2025-01-31

 

 

[xylophone]

 I loved her singing "The Ballad of Lucy Jordan" as IMO it mirrored her life in some way. RIP MF.