Marianne Faithfull, the iconic pop star who transitioned from being Mick Jagger’s muse to a gritty survivor, has died at the age of 78 in London.
Known for her ethereal beauty and haunting voice, Faithfull’s early career in the 1960s was marked by her hit “As Tears Go By” and her romantic involvement with Jagger. However, her life took a darker turn as she battled addiction, homelessness, and personal tragedy, including a suicide attempt and a tumultuous public persona.
Despite these struggles, Faithfull reinvented herself in the 1970s, finding new respect as a cabaret artist. Her 1979 album Broken English earned her critical acclaim for its raw and gritty sound, a stark contrast to her early pop hits. Songs like “Why D’Ya Do It?” became anthems of her tumultuous journey, cementing her as a symbol of survival and transformation.
Throughout her career, Faithfull recorded over 20 albums and also made notable appearances in film and theater, including roles in The Girl on a Motorcycle and Hamlet. Later in life, she continued to release music, collaborating with artists like PJ Harvey and Nick Cave. Despite battling breast cancer and hepatitis C, Faithfull remained a beloved figure in the music world until her death. She is survived by her son, Nicholas Dunbar, and her grandchildren.
Faithfull’s story remains a testament to resilience, as she navigated both the glitz of fame and the depths of personal struggles, ultimately emerging as a revered artist in her own right.
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