Marianne Faithfull: The Life and Legacy of an Iconic Flower Child

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Marianne Faithfull, the iconic British singer, songwriter, and actress who captured hearts as both a pop star and a muse to the Rolling Stones, passed away on Thursday at the age of 78.

 Her death was confirmed by her music promotion company, Republic Media, which stated:
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of the singer, songwriter, and actress Marianne Faithfull. Marianne passed away peacefully in London today, in the company of her loving family. She will be dearly missed.”

 

 

A Start in Swinging London

Faithfull burst onto the music scene in 1964 with her breakthrough hit “As Tears Go By,” a song written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. It climbed to No. 9 on the UK charts, marking the start of her close—and at times tumultuous—association with the Rolling Stones. Her beauty and voice made her an overnight sensation, catapulting her into the spotlight as a teenage celebrity.

By 1966, Faithfull had begun dating Jagger, becoming one of the most glamorous couples in “Swinging London.” Their relationship inspired some of the Stones’ most enduring hits, including “Wild Horses” and “You Can’t Always Get What You Want.” She also contributed vocals to “Sympathy for the Devil.”