Role

:

Performer

Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

December 29, 1946 in Hampstead, London, England

Genre

:

Avant-Garde

 

Marianne Faithfull is a British singer, songwriter, and actress who rose to fame in the 1960s as a pop and rock music artist. She was born on December 29, 1946, in Hampstead, London, England, to a British father and an Austrian mother. Her father was a professor of psychology at Oxford University, and her mother was a ballerina. Faithfull grew up in a privileged household and attended convent schools in England and Switzerland. Faithfull's interest in music began at an early age, and she started singing in school choirs and performing in local theater productions. In 1964, at the age of 17, she was discovered by Rolling Stones manager Andrew Loog Oldham while attending a party. Oldham was impressed by her unique voice and offered her a recording contract with Decca Records. Faithfull's debut single, "As Tears Go By," was released in 1964 and became an instant hit, reaching number nine on the UK charts. The song was written by Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Oldham, and was originally intended for Faithfull to record as a demo. However, her version was so good that it was released as a single, and she became an overnight sensation. Faithfull's success continued with her second single, "Come and Stay With Me," which reached number four on the UK charts. She released her debut album, "Marianne Faithfull," in 1965, which included covers of songs by Bob Dylan, Phil Spector, and the Beatles. The album was a commercial success, reaching number 15 on the UK charts. In 1966, Faithfull released her second album, "Go Away From My World," which featured more original material and showcased her songwriting skills. The album was well-received by critics but was not as commercially successful as her debut. Faithfull's personal life was also making headlines during this time. She was dating Mick Jagger, and their relationship was the subject of much media attention. In 1967, Faithfull was arrested for possession of marijuana during a police raid at Jagger's home. The incident caused a scandal and damaged her reputation. Despite the controversy, Faithfull continued to make music and released her third album, "North Country Maid," in 1967. The album featured traditional folk songs and was a departure from her previous pop and rock sound. The album was not a commercial success, but it showcased Faithfull's versatility as an artist. In the late 1960s, Faithfull's career took a downturn, and she struggled with drug addiction and personal problems. She took a break from music and focused on acting, appearing in several films and television shows. Faithfull made a comeback in the 1970s with the release of her album, "Broken English," in 1979. The album was a departure from her previous work and featured a more punk and new wave sound. The album was a critical and commercial success, reaching number 57 on the US charts and earning Faithfull a Grammy nomination for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance. Faithfull continued to release music throughout the 1980s and 1990s, including the albums "Dangerous Acquaintances" (1981), "A Child's Adventure" (1983), and "Blazing Away" (1990). She also collaborated with other artists, including Nick Cave, PJ Harvey, and Beck. In addition to her music career, Faithfull has also had a successful acting career, appearing in films such as "Girl on a Motorcycle" (1968), "Hamlet" (1996), and "Marie Antoinette" (2006).

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