Marianne Faithfull was a popular ‘60s pop singer and actress. She also gained fame for being the former girlfriend of Mick Jagger. Sadly, Faithfull has passed away at 78. Her spokesperson confirmed that she died peacefully in London, surrounded by family, he added that “She will be dearly missed.” Tributes from fans and family celebrating her life have poured in.
Marianne Faithfull became famous in the 1960s with the song “As Tears Go By.” Apart from her live albums, and studio compilations, she released 21 other albums. She quickly became an important figure of the era, she was loved by fans and musicians not just for her music but also for her impact on fashion and film. However, her life took a bad turn due to heroin addiction and homelessness.
Marianne Faithfull’s journey to fame and fall from grace
Marianne Faithfull was born in Hampstead, London, she had an aristocratic lineage but grew up in modest surroundings. She was discovered as a teenager by Rolling Stones manager Andrew Loog Oldham. In 1964, she recorded “As Tears Go By,” which became an international hit. By the mid-1960s, Faithfull was not only a pop star but also an actress. She appeared in films such as The Girl on a Motorcycle (1968).
Soon after that, her personal life became as popular as her career. She got into a turbulent relationship with Mick Jagger, their high-profile relationship increased her fame, but it also brought media scrutiny. She was constantly watched and talked about. Faithfull was often described as Mick Jagger’s muse, but many argue that she was bigger than just a muse.
However, her career and personal life took a dark turn in the 1970s when she became addicted to drugs. After her split from Jagger in 1970, she struggled with heroin addiction and became homeless, living on the streets of Soho. She lost custody of her son, Nicholas, and disappeared from the music scene for almost a decade. When she talked about this period after she bounced back, she said: “I had to completely fall apart to understand who I was.”
Over the years, apart from her relationship with Mick Jagger, she had several other high-profile relationships and was married three times, including to artist John Dunbar, with whom she had a son.
Mick Jagger has paid his respects
It took time for her to recover after her fall from grace, but she didn’t give up. Faithfull made a comeback in 1979 with Broken English, an album that showcased her weathered voice and songwriting skills. The record earned her a Grammy nomination and brought her into the spotlight again. She eventually quit drugs in 1985 and continued to release music for decades. She collaborated with artists such as Nick Cave, Lou Reed, and Metallica.
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Apart from tributes from fans and family, Mick Jagger has also paid his respects, and he called her “a wonderful friend, a beautiful singer, and a great actress,” adding, “She was so much a part of my life for so long. She will always be remembered.” She is survived by her son, Nicholas Dunbar.
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