Marianne Faithfull

Marianne Faithfull is a British singer, songwriter, and actress with a career spanning several decades.

Marianne Faithfull is best known for her distinctive voice and her association with the British rock scene of the 1960s, particularly her early collaboration with The Rolling Stones. Here's a detailed history of Marianne Faithfull's life and career:

Early Life and Family (1946-1963):

- Marianne Faithfull was born on December 29, 1946, in Hampstead, London, England. Her full name is Marian Evelyn Faithfull.

- She comes from a well-off and cultured background. Her father, Major Robert Glynn Faithfull, was an academic and a British Army officer, while her mother, Eva von Sacher-Masoch, was an Austrian baroness and a painter.

- Marianne attended St. Joseph's Convent School and later attended a boarding school in Kent.

- In her late teens, she started frequenting the folk music scene in London's Soho, where she met artists like Bob Dylan and Martin Carthy.

Rise to Fame (1964-1969):

- Marianne Faithfull's big break came in 1964 when she met Andrew Loog Oldham, the manager of The Rolling Stones. Oldham was instrumental in launching her music career.

- She released her debut single, "As Tears Go By," in 1964, which was written by Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Rolling Stones' manager Andrew Loog Oldham. The song became a major hit, propelling her to stardom.

- In 1965, she released her self-titled debut album, which included "As Tears Go By" and other covers and original songs.

- Marianne became known for her distinctive voice and her bohemian lifestyle. She was often associated with the "Swinging London" scene and was a prominent figure in the counterculture movement of the 1960s.

- She acted in movies during this period, including the influential film "Girl on a Motorcycle" (1968), where she played the lead role.

- Faithfull's personal life during this period was marked by her relationship with Mick Jagger, which garnered significant media attention. She also struggled with drug addiction during this time.

Difficult Years and Comeback (1970-1980s):

- The 1970s were a challenging time for Marianne Faithfull. Her career suffered, and she continued to battle drug addiction and personal struggles.

- She released several albums in the 1970s, including "Dreamin' My Dreams" (1976), which marked a slight resurgence in her career.

- In the 1980s, Faithfull began her recovery from addiction and returned to recording music. She released the critically acclaimed album "Broken English" in 1979, which showcased a new wave and punk rock sound.

Later Career (1990s-Present):

- Marianne Faithfull continued to release albums in the 1990s and beyond, exploring various musical styles, including rock, folk, and electronica.

- Some notable albums include "Strange Weather" (1987), "A Secret Life" (1995), and "Before the Poison" (2004).

- She collaborated with artists like Nick Cave, PJ Harvey, and Damon Albarn during this period.

- In addition to her music career, Faithfull continued to act in films, television, and on stage.

- Her memoir, "Faithfull: An Autobiography," was published in 1994 and provided insight into her tumultuous life.

- She received critical acclaim for her music and contributions to the arts, earning awards and honors for her work.

Throughout her career, Marianne Faithfull has been celebrated for her distinctive voice, artistic evolution, and her ability to overcome personal challenges. She remains an influential figure in the world of music and continues to create and perform into the present day. Her life and career serve as a testament to the enduring power of artistic expression and resilience in the face of adversity.