Marianne Faithfull, the celebrated singer and actress known for her indelible mark on the 1960s music and film scene, passed away at the age of 78. Born in December 1946 in Hampstead, Faithfull rose to fame as a "doe-eyed poster girl of the 1960s" and became a defining figure of her generation. Her journey from obscurity to stardom began at the tender age of 16 when the Rolling Stones' manager discovered her and handed her the song "As Tears Go By," which quickly became a hit single.
Faithfull's relationship with Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger placed her at the heart of the swinging '60s cultural phenomenon. As Jagger's girlfriend, she inspired some of the band's most iconic tracks, including "Wild Horses" and "You Can't Always Get What You Want." Her eponymous debut album and the 1966 release "North Country Maid" solidified her place in the "British Invasion" of the U.S. pop charts.
"A wonderful friend, a beautiful singer and a great actress." – Mick Jagger
Faithfull's artistry extended beyond music as she starred in films such as 1968's "The Girl On A Motorcycle." Despite her professional success, her life was marred by personal challenges, including battles with bulimia, breast cancer, and emphysema. The 1970s saw her struggle with heroin addiction, a period that could have ended her career. However, she made a triumphant return with the critically acclaimed album "Broken English" in 1979.
Her contributions to the arts were recognized globally. In 2009, she received the World Lifetime Achievement Award at the Women's World Awards. Further honoring her impact on cultural arts, France bestowed upon her the title of commandeur of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres.
"Marianne will be dearly missed. Bless her xx." – Ronnie Wood
In recent years, Faithfull continued to create music, releasing her 21st album "She Walks in Beauty." This album came out just a year after a significant health scare from which she was not expected to survive. Her resilience and dedication to her craft remained undeterred until the very end.
"To me, she was wonderful, she was interesting, very, very bright, and from an aristocratic background, which was always part of the way she carried herself." – Bob Harris
Marianne Faithfull's legacy is one of artistic brilliance interwoven with personal resilience. Her influence transcended music and film, touching the lives of those who knew her personally and professionally. She is survived by her son, Nicholas Dunbar, who continues to honor her memory.
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