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Culture

Happy 70th birthday, Marianne Faithfull

Conny Paul ss
December 29, 2016

Marianne Faithfull was one of only few female pop icons to emerge in the 1960s. For years she battled with drug abuse but later celebrated a massive comeback not only as a singer but also as an actress.

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Großbritannien Marianne Faithfull 1965
Image: Getty Images

Marianne Faithfull embodied the groove of the "swinging '60s" like no other. She quickly rose to become the poster girl of the infamous decade, cozying up to the Rolling Stones in more ways than one: first she was Mick Jagger's girlfriend, then Keith Richards' lover before moving on to Brian Jones.

But she wasn't just a glorified muse: Marianne Faithfull launched a successful career in music in her own right, often overshadowed by drug abuse and which later drove her into homelessness and at least one suicide attempt.

In the end, she overcame her demons and celebrated a return to showbiz in style: Marianne Faithfull is a recognized performer, actress and, above all, survivor. The lady with the inimitable husky voice turns 70 on December 29.