Love notes penned by Mick Jagger for American actress Marsha Hunt in the summer of 1969 were recently sold at a Sothebys auction, fetching more than double the anticipated price.
An undisclosed purchaser acquired the collection of 10 intense and intimate letters for a sum exceeding $300,000.
These letters were written during a tumultuous period in the life of the Rolling Stones’ lead singer.
The term “turbulent” hardly captures the upheaval Jagger experienced leading up to writing these letters while filming ‘Ned Kelly’ in Australia.
During this time, he had parted ways with guitarist Brian Jones in a contentious manner and witnessed his relationship with singer Marianne Faithfull unravel.
It appears that his clandestine involvement with Hunt served as a source of solace amidst these challenges.
Despite keeping their romance under wraps, they eventually had a child together before going separate ways.
Hunt, the muse behind the band’s 1971 hit ‘Brown Sugar,’ had established herself as an American-born actress and model enjoying success in London as the star of ‘Hair.’
Her presence graced numerous magazine covers, and the band even approached her to participate in a promotional photoshoot for the single ‘Honky Tonk Woman,’ though she declined initially.
However, Jagger’s unexpected visit to her residence sparked a romantic liaison between them, which was initially concealed due to racial implications.
As per the details provided by Sotheby’s, Jagger touched upon various topics in the letters, including the passing of Jones and the deterioration of his relationship with Faithfull.
Additionally, he expressed his aspirations for an acting career, shared lyrics for the song ‘Monkey Man,’ and offered his takes on contemporary pop culture, labeling John and Yoko as mundane figures.
Hunt decided to part ways with the letters to fund renovations for her home in France
