Artist Spotlight – Marianne Faithfull

Join Carl Rossi this afternoon at 5pm as he pays tribute to Marianne Faithfull. You will also hear songs from Joe Walsh, Gordon Lightfoot, The Turtles, and more!

Gary Emmert

7 Mar 2025

2–3 minutes

A Life of Music, Art, and Resilience

Marianne Faithfull, born on December 29, 1946, in Hampstead, London, was an English singer, songwriter, and actress who became one of the most prominent female voices of the 1960s British Invasion. Her career spanned over six decades, marked by both extraordinary success and personal struggles.

Faithfull’s journey into the world of music began in 1964 when she was discovered at a party for the Rolling Stones by the band’s manager, Andrew Loog Oldham. Her debut single, “As Tears Go By,” written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, became an instant hit and catapulted her to fame. She quickly became a leading figure in the music scene, known for her distinctive melodic, high-register vocals.

Throughout the 1960s, Faithfull released several successful albums and singles, including “Come My Way” and “This Little Bird.” Her popularity extended to the silver screen, with roles in films such as “I’ll Never Forget What’s’isname” (1967) and “The Girl on a Motorcycle” (1968).

However, the 1970s brought significant challenges for Faithfull. She struggled with anorexia, homelessness, and heroin addiction, which took a toll on her career and personal life. Despite these hardships, she made a remarkable comeback in 1979 with the release of her critically acclaimed album “Broken English.” The album showcased a new, raw vocal style that resonated with audiences and critics alike.

Faithfull continued to release music and perform throughout the 1980s and beyond. Her albums “Dangerous Acquaintances” (1981), “A Child’s Adventure” (1983), and “Strange Weather” (1987) further solidified her status as a versatile and enduring artist. She collaborated with various musicians, including Beck, Nick Cave, and PJ Harvey, and continued to explore different musical genres.

In addition to her music career, Faithfull authored three books about her life: “Faithfull: An Autobiography” (1994), “Memories, Dreams & Reflections” (2007), and “Marianne Faithfull: A Life on Record” (2014). She received numerous accolades, including the World Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2009 Women’s World Awards and the Commandeur of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French government in 2011.

Faithfull’s personal life was often in the spotlight, particularly her high-profile relationship with Mick Jagger from 1966 to 1970. She was married three times and had one child. Despite her struggles, Faithfull remained a resilient and influential figure in the music industry.

Marianne Faithfull passed away on January 30, 2025, at the age of 78, leaving behind a legacy of music, art, and resilience. Her contributions to the world of music and her ability to overcome personal challenges continue to inspire generations of artists and fans.