Marianne Faithfull Passes Away at 78

Renowned singer-songwriter Marianne Faithfull, a prominent figure and one of the most celebrated female artists of the British Invasion era, has sadly passed away at the age of 78.

“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of the immensely talented singer, songwriter, and actress Marianne Faithfull,” the family stated (via the BBC). “Marianne peacefully departed in London today, surrounded by her loving family. Her presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.”

Born in 1946 in Hampstead, London, Faithfull came from a unique heritage; her father served as a British Intelligence officer, and her mother, originally from Budapest, had a background in ballet dancing. The couple divorced when she was just six years old, and thereafter, Faithfull primarily lived with her mother, which shaped her early years and her artistic influences.

Discover How Marianne Faithfull Influenced the Rolling Stones

Beginning her singing career in 1964, Faithfull captivated audiences with her performances at local coffee houses, becoming an integral part of the vibrant music scene. During this pivotal year, she attended a launch party for the Rolling Stones, where she crossed paths with the band’s manager, Andrew Loog Oldham. Recognizing her talent, Oldham offered her a chance to record. Her debut recording, a cover of “As Tears Go By,” originally penned by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, quickly soared to popularity, reaching No. 9 on the U.K. singles chart, making it a significant milestone in her burgeoning career.

Listen to Marianne Faithfull’s ‘As Tears Go By’

In 1965, Faithfull released three albums in a short span, largely due to creative tensions with her label, Decca Records. While the label envisioned a pop album, Faithfull’s artistic direction leaned towards folk music. This led to the release of her self-titled debut album, which featured pop influences, alongside a folk-focused LP titled Come My Way. She also unveiled a third studio album exclusive to the U.S. market, Go Away From My World. Before the decade concluded, she released two additional albums: North Country Maid in 1966 and Love in a Mist in 1967, showcasing her evolving musical style.

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In May 1965, Faithfull married the British artist John Dunbar, and they welcomed their son later that year. However, shortly after, she began a high-profile relationship with Mick Jagger, which would become a defining aspect of her life and career.

During this tumultuous time, Faithfull’s struggle with addiction intensified. One notorious incident involved a drug raid at Keith Richards‘ home, where she was found wrapped only in a fur rug. Reflecting on this period in her autobiography, she candidly stated, “It destroyed me. A male drug addict becomes glamorized, but a woman in that situation is labeled a slut and a bad mother,” highlighting the societal double standards she faced.

Faithfull’s romantic involvement with Jagger significantly influenced the Rolling Stones‘ music. The iconic track “Sympathy for the Devil,” featured on the 1968 album Beggar’s Banquet, drew inspiration from a book she gifted to Jagger, The Master and the Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov. Many other songs, such as “Wild Horses,” “I Got the Blues,” and “You Can’t Always Get What You Want,” were also reportedly inspired by her. Notably, she received co-writing credits for “Sister Morphine,” a track from 1971’s Sticky Fingers, which included her haunting vocals.

Listen to the Rolling Stones’ ‘Sister Morphine’

Explore Marianne Faithfull’s Evolving Musical Journey

After her split with Jagger in 1970, Faithfull faced a challenging period marked by addiction, eating disorders, and even homelessness. Her prolonged drug use and a severe case of laryngitis took a toll on her voice. However, she made a comeback with the release of her country album Dreamin’ My Dreams in 1976, which topped the charts in Ireland. It wasn’t until 1979, with the release of Broken English, that she truly regained her footing in the music industry. This landmark album achieved No. 57 in the U.K. and No. 82 on the Billboard 200 chart in the U.S., marking her first U.S. chart entry since 1965. Broken English also earned her a Grammy nomination for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance, solidifying her status as a remarkable artist.

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Throughout her career, Faithfull collaborated with a diverse array of artists, showcasing her versatility. One of her most surprising collaborations came in 1997 when she lent her vocals to Metallica‘s single “The Memory Remains.” She continued to release albums consistently, demonstrating her enduring passion for music. Her most recent project, She Walks in Beauty, released in 2021, featured a collection of poems spoken over instrumentals composed by Warren Ellis of the Bad Seeds.

In a 2021 interview with The Guardian, Faithfull expressed, “I made a decision to really, completely give my heart to the whole thing, and that’s what happened. I was wise enough to recognize that I had so much to learn. While I didn’t attend Oxford, I spent time at Olympic Studios observing the Rolling Stones and the Beatles at work. I learned a great deal from watching brilliant artists at the peak of their careers, especially Mick, whose songwriting process I admired. I will always be grateful for those experiences.”

Discover the Top 100 Rock Albums of the 1960s

Explore a comprehensive chronological overview of the 100 best rock albums from the iconic ’60s era.

Gallery Credit: UCR Staff



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