Aretha Franklin, the iconic singer known as the Queen of Soul, was both a musical legend and an enigmatic personality. Her penchant for extravagance extended beyond her music career and seeped into various aspects of her life, including her appearance. In a testimonial to the late Reggie Wells, one of her go-to makeup artists, a remarkable story emerged that showcased Franklin’s eccentricity when it came to her makeup. This article delves into the curious incident and sheds light on the unique character of the legendary diva.
An intriguing revelation from Franklin’s former publicist, Gwendolyn Quinn, unveiled a bizarre incident from the singer’s life. According to Quinn, Franklin once hired not one, not two, but three makeup artists to prepare for a single event. In addition to the renowned celebrity makeup artist Reggie Wells, Franklin engaged the services of another professional to exclusively work on her eyes. To complete the trio, she brought in “another lady” all the way from Detroit solely to perfect her lips for an appearance at Radio City Music Hall.
Reggie Wells, oblivious to the presence of the other two makeup artists, was taken aback when he arrived at Radio City Music Hall. It was then that he learned about Franklin’s extravagant arrangements. Despite the unforeseen circumstances, Wells rose to the challenge and ensured that every aspect of Franklin’s makeup was flawlessly executed. Wells, renowned for his expertise in handling divas, managed to navigate the situation with finesse.
Emmy-award-winning makeup artist Reggie Wells had an extensive career, working with numerous A-List celebrities such as Beyoncé, Halle Berry, Michelle Obama, and Oprah Winfrey, with whom he collaborated for almost three decades. Franklin’s former publicist, Gwendolyn Quinn, reminisced about the special moments shared with Wells during the times he worked with Franklin. They would often find themselves laughing uncontrollably, immersed in the anecdotes and stories he shared. The friendship and camaraderie between Franklin, Quinn, and Wells were truly unforgettable.
Aretha Franklin was known for her powerful voice and uncompromising attitude, both on and off the stage. In 2016, during her 74th birthday party, Franklin demonstrated her unapologetic nature when she confronted a publication for publishing an article claiming she had caused a disturbance during a performance of “The Color Purple” on Broadway. Dismissing the allegations as “a lot of BS,” Franklin boldly proclaimed her loyalty to Page Six, a regular source of news for her. She playfully instructed the publication to “hit whoever wrote [that] over the head,” emphasizing her unwavering confidence and assertion of respect.
Aretha Franklin’s unrivaled talent and captivating persona left an indelible mark on the music industry. Her collaboration with Reggie Wells highlights the colorful eccentricities that added to her mystique as a diva. Wells, acclaimed for his groundbreaking work, served as an inspiration to future celebrity makeup artists like Derrick Rutledge and Sam Fine. Fine, in an Instagram post, paid tribute to Wells, referring to him as a “friend, mentor, and pioneer.” The legacy of Reggie Wells lives on in the work of these talented artists, leaving a lasting impact on the world of makeup and beauty.
The story of Aretha Franklin’s three makeup artists sheds light on the extraordinary personality of the Queen of Soul. Her unapologetic approach to indulging in multiple professionals for a single event, coupled with her assertive nature, showcases Franklin’s uniqueness and her desire for perfection. The tale also pays homage to the late Reggie Wells, a luminary in the field of makeup artistry, whose exceptional skills and enduring friendship with Franklin will always be remembered.