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    Rolling Stones Muse Marianne Faithfull Dead at 78


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    Vocalist behind golden vintage microphone.
    Table of Contents
    Marianne Faithfull at the photocall for "Marie Antoinette."

    Remembering a Musical and Cultural Icon

    Marianne Faithfull, the actress and singer, passed away on January 30, 2025, at the age of 78. The news of her death was confirmed by her spokesperson.

    Marianne, throughout her career, has contributed a great deal to both the acting and music industry. Read on to learn more about Marianne’s life and legacy.

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    Background

    Born on December 29, 1946, in Hampstead, London, Marianne Faithfull was born to Major Robert Glynn Faithfull and Eva von Sacher-Masoch. Her father was a British intelligence officer, while her mother was a ballerina.

    Faitfull’s parents divorced when she was six, and she moved with her mother to Reading, Berkshire. She attended St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Convent School, where she took an interest in theater and developed an interest in performing arts.

    Vocalist behind golden vintage microphone.

    Early Life

    Faithfull began her singing career at the age of 17 in 1964. She started performing folk music in coffeehouses around London.

    Her unique talent was quickly recognized, bringing her into the spotlight. She was discovered by Rolling Stones’s pop music producer, Andrew Loog Oldham, at a party that same year.

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    Breakthrough Hit

    Marianne Faithfull released her first single, As Tears Go By, in 1964, marking a significant milestone in her career. The song resulted from the first original compositions by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones with their manager, Andrew Loog Oldham.

    The single achieved significant commercial success, making As Tears Go By an enduring classic. The Rolling Stones ended up recording their version of the song in 1965.

    People dig through crates of vinyls and CDs at a record fair.

    1960s Success

    Marianne Faithfull solidified her presence in the music scene with a series of successful singles in the mid-1960s. She released Come and Stay with Me in 1965, which ended up reaching number 4 on the UK Singles Chart.

    Faithfull released This Little Bird in 1965, which climbed to number 6 on the UK charts. Another notable hit was Summer Nights, also released in 1965, which reached number 10 in the UK and number 24 in the US.

    Mick Jagger

    Relationship with Mick Jagger

    Marianne Faithfull and Mick Jagger started dating in 1966, and their relationship became pretty publicized. Their relationship made them one of the era’s most iconic couples.

    She co-wrote the song Sister Morphine with Jagger and Keith Richards, which she released in 1969. However, Mick and Marianne’s relationship faced many challenges.

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    Acting Career

    Marianne was a woman of diverse talents. She ventured into acting during the late 1960s, taking on roles that showcased her versatility as a performer.

    She appeared in I’ll Never Forget What’s ‘Isname and portrayed the character Josie. She also starred in The Girl on a Motorcycle (1968) and La Motocyclette, which became a cult classic.

    Silhouette of a sad woman sitting alone in a empty room

    Personal Struggles

    Marianne and Mick broke up in 1970. Following this, she also lost custody of her son, Nicholas.

    These events profoundly affected Marianne’s mental health, and she went into depression. The actress and singer also struggled with anorexia nervosa, which also contributed to periods of homelessness in London.

    Hand browsing through stacked albums.

    Musical Comeback

    Marianne made a comeback in the entertainment industry with her seventh studio album, Broken English. The album received critical acclaim for its raw and emotive delivery, with many labeling the album as Faithfull’s best work.

    The track Broken English was inspired by the story of Ulrike Meinhof, co-founder of the Baader-Meinhof Group. Another standout track from the album was The Ballad of Lucy Jordan.

    Retro microphone on stage.

    Continued Music Releases

    Marianne Faithfull continued to release music throughout the 1980s and 1990s, maeking her presence in the industry. In 1981, she released Dangerous Acquaintances with tracks like Sweetheart and Intrigue.

    In 1987, the singer and actress released Strange Weather, an album that showcased her interpretations of jazz and blues standards. The album reached number 78 on the UK Albums chart.

    Books stacked on each other with a cup nearby.

    Literary Contributions

    Faithfull throughout her career, she kept sharing intimate details about her life and experiences. She released Faithfull: An Autobiography (1994), a book that delves into her early life, rise to fame, downfall, and eventual resurgence in the music industry.

    Memories, Dreams, & Reflections was released in 2007, and it is a collection of her writings, poetry, and reflections. In 2014, she co-authored Marianne: Faithfull: A Life on Record with Francois Ravard.

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    Honors and Awards

    Marianne received the World Arts Award for Lifetime Achievement on March 5, 2009. She was honored with the Icon Award at the Q Awards in October 2009 for her influence on the music industry.

    Faithfull was appointed as Commandeur de L’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French Minister of Culture and Communication, Frederic Mitterrand, on March 23, 2011. These awards reflect Marianne’s profound impact on music and culture.

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    Later Acting Roles

    Marianne Faithfull’s acting career has spanned several decades, with exceptional performances in both film and theater. Faithfull portrayed the role of Empress Maria Theresa in Marie Antoinette.

    She also took on the role of Maggi in Irina Palm, portraying a powerful performance. Faithfull embraced diverse and challenging roles throughout her career.

    Vintage blue record player with small flowers on table.

    Final Album

    Her final album was released on April 30, 2021. She Walks in Beauty is a moving exploration of 19th-century British Romantic poetry set to music.

    For the album, Faithfull collaborated with Australian multi-instrumentalist, Warren Ellis. The critics praised the album for its atmospheric and evocative qualities.

    Cropped view of senior man putting flowers near tombstones

    Legacy

    Marianne’s life and career have been enveloped in various artistic works. The play Redlands, which debuted in 2024, reflects on Faithfull’s challenging past.

    She leaves behind a legacy defined by resilience, artistic innovation, and profound influence.

    Another legendary musician we lost recently is Peter Yarrow. You can also read about his legacy in Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul, and Mary dies at 86.

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    Tributes from Peers

    The entertainment industry has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the beloved icon. Cat Power described Faithfull as “a queen to all who know her.”

    The entertainment world mourned many losses in 2024. Remembering the iconic Americans we lost in 2024 reflects on some of the most impactful figures we said goodbye to this year.

    Read More From This Brand:

    Beloved ‘Alice’ Actress Linda Lavin Dies at 87

    Farewell to Grateful Dead’s Phil Lesh at 84

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