Marianna Faithfull, the British pop star, muse, libertine, and old soul who inspired and helped write some of the Rolling Stones' greatest songs, has died at the age of 78. She passed away on Thursday, her music promotion company, Republic Media, announced.
“It is with deep sadness we announce the death of the singer, songwriter, and actress Marianne Faithfull,” said a spokesperson from Republic Media. “Marianne passed away peacefully in London today, surrounded by her loving family. She will be dearly missed.”
Faithfull's life was marked by dramatic highs and lows. Before she reached the age of 17, she already had celebrity status, but by her mid-20s, she faced homelessness. Yet by her early 30s, she had reinvented herself as a respected torch singer and songwriter, delivering her acclaimed album “Broken English,” which earned her the kind of reviews usually reserved for the Rolling Stones, her long-time collaborators.
On social media, Jagger expressed his condolences, saying, “I am so saddened to hear of the death of Marianne Faithfull. She was so much part of my life for so long. She was a wonderful friend, a beautiful singer, and a great actress.” The relationship between Faithfull and Jagger began around 1966, creating one of the most glamorous and notorious couples of “Swinging London.”
One of her earliest hits, “.As Tears Go By,” is often remembered as the song written by Jagger and Keith Richards which became her breakout success upon its release in 1964. Her connection with the Rolling Stones was not just romantic; she was integral to their music and lyrics. She introduced Jagger to Russian literature, which influenced the band's songwriting—her recommendation of “The Master and Margarita” inspired their iconic track “Sympathy for the Devil.”
Despite their glamorous lifestyle, the couple was often beset by the pressures of fame and addiction. Their shared world of rock and roll was marked by 1967 drug bust, which cast both Faithfull and Jagger under the unforgiving glare of the tabloids, with the press branding her the “Naked Girl at Stones Party.” Reflecting on the stigma she faced, she wrote, “One of the hazards of reforming your evil ways is some people won’t let go of their mind’s eye of you as a wild thing.”
Over the years, Faithfull transitioned from the genteel ballads of her early career, such as “Come Stay With Me” and “This Little Bird,” to a more raw and explicit style, epitomized by “Broken English.” Her life was punctuated by struggles, including heroin addiction, loss and trauma, leading to the deterioration of her relationship with Jagger and the heartbreaking loss of custody of her son, Nicholas.
Following her split from Jagger, the once-celebrated star faced rough times, marking poignant struggles against addiction, including living on the streets and grappling with anorexia and hepatitis. She also underwent treatment for breast cancer and faced injuries, including breaking her hip, before battling COVID-19 last year.
Despite the difficulties, Faithfull's resilient spirit allowed her to endure, establishing her legacy not just as Mick Jagger’s muse but as one of rock’s most enduring voices. Her influence extended through the decades, inspiring artists like Beck, PJ Harvey, and Nick Cave.
Marianne Faithfull’s remarkable contribution to music and culture will continue to resonate, as she leaves behind a legacy as fierce and vibrant as her life—a life full of music, heartbreak, survival, and art. She will be remembered not just for her tragic tales but for her strength and creativity, echoing through the songs she helped craft and the hearts of those she inspired.