Marianne Faithfull, a singer and actress known for hits like "As Tears Go By," died Thursday, a spokesperson confirmed. She was 78. "It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of the singer,

Singer and actress Marianne Faithfull has died at the age of 78, her spokesperson has said. Born in Hampstead in December 1946, she was known for hits like As Tears Go By, which reached the UK top 10 in 1964, and for starring roles in films including 1968's The Girl On A Motorcycle.

The singer, who died on Thursday at 78, spent decades in the spotlight exercising a very specific and subversive power.