British singer-songwriter and actress Marianne Faithfull, known for her influential role in 1960s music and her collaboration with The Rolling Stones, has died peacefully in London at age 78.

Photo Credit: Marianne Faithfull by A. Vente, 1966 / CC by 3.0

Rising to fame at age 16, Faithfull's breakthrough came with the 1964 release of "As Tears Go By," one of the first songs written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. Her relationship with the Rolling Stones proved both creatively fruitful and personally challenging, inspiring numerous hits including "Wild Horses," "Sister Morphine," and "You Can't Always Get What You Want."

Her romantic relationship with Mick Jagger from 1966 to 1970 placed her at the center of "Swinging London." However, this period was marked by personal struggles, including a highly publicized drug bust involving the Stones and her subsequent battle with heroin addiction.

Despite facing significant hardships in the early 1970s, including homelessness and losing custody of her son, Faithfull experienced a remarkable comeback with her 1979 album "Broken English." She also established herself as an accomplished actress, appearing in various productions including "Marie Antoinette" and "Absolutely Fabulous."

Mick Jagger paid tribute on Instagram, stating, "She was so much a part of my life for so long. She was a wonderful friend, a beautiful singer, and a great actress."

Throughout her career, Faithfull remained an influential figure in popular music, known for her distinctive alto voice on songs like "Come Stay with Me," "Summer Nights," and "This Little Bird." Her legacy encompasses not only her musical contributions but also her resilience and artistic versatility across multiple decades.

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