In photos: the unforgettable 60s' icon Marianne Faithfull

It is difficult to place Marianne Faithfull as an artist because her figure transcends that role. She was a singer, an actress, a model, a groupie, a muse, an icon, and, since January 30, part of 20th-century history.

"It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of the singer, songwriter, and actress Marianne Faithfull," the family said in a statement. "Marianne passed away peacefully in London today, in the company of her loving family."

The story of Marianne Faithfull begins in the 1960s, when a very young and unknown girl from Hampstead meets Andrew Loog Oldham, then manager of 'The Rolling Stones', at a party.

The manager convinced Mick Jagger and Keith Richards to write a song for the young woman's flute-like, magnetic voice and that's how 'As Tears Go By' was born in the summer of 1964.

And that's how Marianne Faithfull went from anonymity to becoming a global star at just 18 years old. It was the starting shot for a troubled, excessive, and complicated life, but also memorable and worth telling.

John Dunbar would be her first husband and father of her first child, at just 19 years old. After a year of marriage came the separation and with it Mick Jagger.

Marianne Faithfull and Mick Jagger formed one of the most iconic and memorable couples in the history of the star system. They were four years (1966-1970) of love, toxicity, addictions, and legends that have been perpetuated over time.

Marianne Faithfull became the band's muse and inspired legendary hits such as 'Sympathy for the Devil', 'You Can't Always Get What You Want' and 'Wild Horses'.

On an artistic level, the combination of the muse and the band was unbeatable. On a personal level, it was absolutely damaging for everyone. Marianne Faithfull made the most of the 'Swinging London' era, but, like everything in life, the party ended and the artist fell into hell.

Her relationship with Mick Jagger ended in 1970 and Marianne Faithfull's darkest period began. The artist had an abortion, lost custody of her son, tried to take her own life, had to live on the streets, and was arrested on several occasions.

The 70s were tough for the woman who had been the face of the English landing in the United States, but as the decade drew to a close, with the help of Chris Blackwell, owner of 'Island Records', she released her album 'Broken English'.

That angelic voice of yesteryear had become rough and painful, it was perfect for a Marianne Faithfull who, not only had gone through hell but had lived in it for years. The young muse was giving way to a legend yet to be forged.

Her new 'new wave' style captivated critics and audiences alike. Marianne Faithfull was no longer just a muse, but an icon with her own identity who had risen from the ashes.

If the 70s had been an eternal punishment for her, the 80s only elevated her overflowing talent, with a musical production that would exceed 20 albums and legendary collaborations with people like David Bowie (in the photo), Billy Corgan, Beck, or David A. Stewart.

At the same time, Marianne Faithfull allowed herself to demonstrate that she was also a great actress, participating in films such as 'The Girl on a Motorcycle' (1968), 'Moondance' (1995) or 'Irina Palm' (2007).

In the photo, with Alain Delon on the set of 'The Girl on a Motorcycle' (1967).

Marianne Faithfull was clear that "I am not everybody's cup of tea, but I now have the confidence to know that if people don't like you, it doesn't mean you're no good," as she told Vogue in an interview, but her life and legacy make it clear that she lived her life as herself and that is how she will be remembered, as the legend that she was, is and will be.

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