Marianne Faithfull's life reads like a wild rock and roll novel; romance with Mick Jagger, battles with addiction, and a rise from the ashes!
Marianne Faithfull stands as one of the most iconic figures in British pop culture, a true testament to resilience and artistry. Discovered by Rolling Stones manager Andrew Loog Oldham, she quickly became a sensation, with Mick Jagger and Keith Richards co-penning her breakout hit "As Tears Go By" in 1964. Her ethereal voice and poignant lyrics captured the essence of the '60s, making her a beloved pop star alongside rock royalty. However, with fame came its shadows, as her journey took her through intense highs and devastating lows, including a tumultuous relationship with Jagger and battles with addiction, which threatened to overshadow her early successes.
As the '60s shifted into the '70s, Faithfull's career seemed to falter, but instead of fading into obscurity, she embarked on a remarkable transformation. Resilient and fearless, she reinvented herself as both an artist and a survivor. By collaborating with renowned figures like David Bowie, and later, even heavyweights like Metallica, Faithfull proved she wasn’t just a fleeting muse for rock giants but a formidable artist in her own right. Her comeback began in earnest with the release of her 1979 album "Broken English," which revealed a deeper, darker side of her artistry and resonated powerfully with audiences.
Despite the ups and downs, Marianne Faithfull’s influence permeates through generations of artists and fans alike. She was more than just a voice of her era; she became a living emblem of survival and artistic evolution. With her theatrical flair and captivating performances in films, such as "The Girl On A Motorcycle" (1968), she showcased that her talents extended far beyond music. Tragically, she passed away at the age of 78, leaving behind a legacy steeped in mesmerizing music and the profound stories that infused her work.
In the face of personal struggles, Marianne Faithfull’s story is one of hope and tenacity. Her life serves as an inspiring blueprint of creativity amidst chaos, showcasing that vulnerability can breed incredible art. Fun fact: Not only did she influence the worlds of rock and pop, but she collaborated with avant-garde film director Jean-Luc Godard. Another interesting tidbit? "As Tears Go By" was the first song written specifically for a female artist by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, marking a monumental shift in their songwriting!
Marianne Faithfull is a true legend, with her multifaceted contributions to music and film continuing to inspire artists today. Her journey through the highs and lows of fame remains a powerful reminder of the strength found in vulnerability, creativity, and resilience in the face of adversity.
The Rolling Stones' manager, Andrew Loog Oldham, discovered her, which lead to Mick Jagger (eventually her romantic partner) and Keith Richards co-penning her ...
Between 1964 and 1970 Faithfull was a pop star, part of British rock royalty. The lows began with her use of narcotics and ended with time spent as a ...
It is difficult to think of a moment in pop history less receptive to a 1960s icon relaunching their career than in 1979. At that point, British rock and pop ...
Singer and actor overcame drug addiction and homelessness to collaborate with everyone from the Rolling Stones and Metallica to Jean-Luc Godard.
She was known for hits such as 1964's As Tears Go By and films including 1968's The Girl On A Motorcycle.
A fresh-faced singer in the 1960s, she went on to experience more than her share of hard times before emerging triumphant in the '70s.
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of the singer, songwriter, and actress Marianne Faithfull,” the singer's rep said in a statement. “Marianne ...
That 1964 song, her first hit (written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards), was recorded when she was just 17, but its mood set the tone for the rest of her long ...
Singer who found pop fame and tabloid infamy in the 60s but returned to music in the 70s with Broken English, a statement of bloody-minded survival.
In remembrance of Marianne Faithfull, who has passed away aged 78, MOJO revisits our last interview with Faithfull, icon of the swinging 60s and so much ...
From a career-detonating collaboration with the Rolling Stones in 1969 to a hypnotic experiment with 13-era Blur, Marianne Faithfull's career was one of ...