Marianne Faithfull: Tributes pour in for late ’60s icon
Following the death of 1960s icon, singer, and actor Marianne Faithfull, tributes have poured in from the world of music, cinema, and pop culture.
A statement was issued on January 30th that confirmed Faithfull passed away at the age of 78. “It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of the singer, songwriter and actress Marianne Faithfull,” it read, “Marianne passed away peacefully in London today, in the company of her loving family […] She will be dearly missed.”
Faithfull was born in Hampstead and rose to fame in the ‘60s thanks to hits such as ‘As Tears Go By’. The song was a collaboration with the Rolling Stones and became a top-10 hit in 1964. It was one of the first original songs that the Rolling Stones ever released and marked the beginning of all involved finding their creative voices within the music industry.
“We had a number one hit with Marianne Faithfull,” recalled Keith Richards when discussing the track, “So suddenly, ‘Oh, we’re songwriters’, with the most anti-Stones sort of song you could think of at the time, while we’re trying to make a good version of [Muddy Waters] ‘Still A Fool’.”
In addition to collaborating with the Rolling Stones, Faithfull was Mick Jagger’s girlfriend for a period throughout the ‘60s. She was the inspiration behind some of the band’s biggest hits, such as ‘You Can’t Always Get What You Want’ and ‘Wild Horses’.
Throughout her life Faithfull contributed to the worlds of music and film. She collaborated with artists such as Nick Cave and PJ Harvey, both of whom described Faithfull as an inspiration. She also acted in films such as The Girl On A Motorcycle in 1968, classics of the time.
Tributes have started pouring in since the sad news of Faithfull’s passing. Mick Jagger wrote: “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. She will always be remembered.”
British photographer Kevin Cummins shared a black-and-white photo of Faithfull in tribute. “A photo I took of Marianna Faithfull in November 1981,” he wrote, “RIP Marianne”.
Tim Burgess, singer, songwriter and frontman for The Charlatans, took to social media to pay tribute to Faithfull. “Farewell Marianne Faithfull I first heard Broken English on a school trip in 1980 and it blew my mind,” he said, “She was such a free spirit and a true talent. We met in Amsterdam in 1994 and spent an afternoon chatting and in between interviews – going to listen to Why D’Ya Do It, right now.”
Actor James Dreyfus, who worked with Faithfull on Absolutely Fabulous, has also paid his respects. “RIP Marianne Faithfull. Was lucky enough to work with her on Ab Fab. She was absolutely lovely…”
British DJ Tony Blackburn said, “Sorry to hear that 69’s singer Marianne Faithfull has died at the age of 78. She gave us some great songs to play. R.I.P.”
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