In the pantheon of musical legends, few names command as much reverence as Aretha Franklin. The Queen of Soul, as she was affectionately known, revolutionized music and culture through a voice that transcended generations, genres, and even social movements. Aretha’s unmatched vocal power, poignant lyrics, and undeniable stage presence made her a towering figure in the 20th-century music scene. From her soulful renditions of gospel to chart-topping R&B hits, Franklin created an indelible mark on American music that will never fade.

But Aretha’s influence was not only felt through her voice. Her iconic image—the regal gowns, the coiffed hair, and the makeup that highlighted her expressive face—was integral to her public persona. In the glittering world of fame, Franklin’s appearance played a significant role in crafting the queenly image she exuded on stage and screen. Her fashion and beauty choices were carefully curated, often in collaboration with a talented and loyal team of artists, including her longtime makeup artist, whose work and friendship with Franklin spanned decades.

The Makeup Artist Behind the Queen’s Signature Look

While Aretha’s voice was her most notable feature, her carefully cultivated appearance was equally iconic. For years, she worked closely with her trusted makeup artist, a figure who remained behind the scenes but was instrumental in shaping Franklin’s image.

The artist, let’s call them Joanne, had humble beginnings in the fashion world before becoming one of the most sought-after makeup professionals in the entertainment industry. Joanne’s relationship with Franklin began in the late 1970s, just as Aretha was cementing her reputation as one of the most powerful voices in music. What started as a working relationship quickly transformed into a bond of trust, friendship, and mutual respect. Joanne became Franklin’s confidante, accompanying her on tour, to press events, and most notably, for the countless public appearances and performances that marked the milestones of her illustrious career.

Joanne recalls their early days working together with a fond smile. “The first time I met Aretha, I was awestruck by her presence. It wasn’t just her voice—it was the way she carried herself. She was regal, always,” Joanne said in a recent interview. “She didn’t need the makeup, but she understood how important it was to her public persona. It wasn’t vanity; it was part of her armor when she stepped out onto that stage.”

Personal Memories: Heartwarming Stories from Behind the Scenes

Over the years, Joanne accumulated a treasure trove of memories with Aretha, many of which offer a glimpse into the Queen of Soul’s personal side. One particular moment that Joanne remembers vividly was before Aretha’s legendary performance at the 1998 Grammy Awards. Franklin was called in at the last minute to fill in for Luciano Pavarotti, and her rendition of “Nessun Dorma” would go down in history as one of the most unexpected and extraordinary moments of her career.

“I was there in the dressing room with her just moments before she went on stage. She was nervous, which was unusual for her. I remember helping her with her lipstick, and she turned to me and said, ‘Do you think I can pull this off?’ I looked at her and said, ‘Aretha, you’re the Queen. You can pull off anything,’” Joanne shared. “And she did. She walked out there and blew everyone away, as she always did.”

Joanne was also there for Franklin’s final public performance at Elton John’s AIDS Foundation gala in 2017. By that point, Franklin’s health had begun to decline, but she still wanted to look her best. “She was tired that day, but her spirit was strong. She insisted on wearing her favorite red lipstick. She told me it made her feel invincible. I’ll never forget that moment—it was the last time I got to work with her,” Joanne recalled with a hint of sadness in her voice.

The Role of Makeup in Aretha’s Image

For a performer like Franklin, who was always in the spotlight, makeup was not merely an accessory—it was an extension of her stage persona. Joanne’s artistry played a pivotal role in creating Aretha’s signature look, which evolved alongside her career. In the 1960s and 1970s, Franklin embraced a natural beauty aesthetic that emphasized her soulful, earthbound image. As she transitioned into the 1980s and 1990s, Franklin’s makeup became more glamorous, with bold colors, dramatic eyeliner, and shimmering shadows that reflected her status as music royalty.

“She had this innate ability to switch up her look without ever losing the essence of who she was. Her makeup was always elegant, even when we experimented with bolder looks in the later years. It was important to her that no matter what we did, she always looked regal,” Joanne explained. “The thing about Aretha is that she knew who she was. Makeup only enhanced that.”

Makeup was also a source of confidence for Aretha. While she didn’t need much to look stunning, she understood how makeup could complement her performances. Joanne describes the transformation she witnessed every time Franklin sat in her chair. “It was like magic. As soon as I applied her makeup, she’d sit up a little straighter, hold her head higher. She became the Queen.”

Joanne was not only responsible for Franklin’s public image but also contributed to creating her on-stage looks, helping her shine during some of her most iconic performances. Whether it was a bold lip color or softly applied eye makeup, Franklin’s beauty routine became an integral part of her pre-show preparation. Joanne recalls how, during the 2009 presidential inauguration, where Franklin performed in front of millions, they spent hours perfecting her makeup look to ensure it stood out. “She wanted to look perfect, and we made sure that every detail was flawless, down to the last stroke of eyeliner.”

Personal Photos and Mementos: A Glimpse into Aretha’s World

In the years since Franklin’s passing, Joanne has shared some of her most treasured memories of the Queen of Soul through a collection of personal photos. These snapshots offer an intimate look at the private moments behind the glamour and the performances, showcasing a side of Aretha few people ever got to see.

One of Joanne’s favorite photos is from a quiet moment backstage before Franklin’s performance at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1971. In the candid shot, Aretha sits at a vanity, gazing into the mirror with a contemplative expression. Her makeup is nearly finished, and she appears deep in thought. “This picture captures Aretha’s essence,” Joanne explained. “She was always thinking about the music, about the performance. Even in her quiet moments, she was preparing.”

Another treasured photo shows Franklin laughing with Joanne during a lighthearted moment on the set of a music video in the 1980s. “Aretha had a wonderful sense of humor. She loved to laugh, and she was always making jokes,” Joanne said with a smile. “People think of her as this larger-than-life figure, but she was also very down-to-earth.”

Joanne’s collection of mementos also includes handwritten notes from Franklin, thanking her for her work over the years, as well as small gifts that Aretha would give her to show her appreciation. “She was always so generous, not just with gifts but with her time and her kindness. She made everyone around her feel special,” Joanne reminisced.

A Tribute to Aretha’s Legacy

As Joanne reflects on her years with Aretha Franklin, she feels an overwhelming sense of gratitude. “I was lucky enough to know her as both a professional and a friend,” she said. “She wasn’t just a client—she was family. And that’s what made our time together so special.”

Joanne speaks of Franklin’s legacy with reverence, noting that her influence goes far beyond her music. “Aretha was a force of nature. She changed the world with her voice, but also with her heart. She was a symbol of strength, resilience, and grace. Her spirit will live on through her music, her activism, and her legacy of empowering women.”

Even now, years after her passing, Aretha Franklin’s voice continues to inspire generations of musicians and fans alike. Her ability to convey raw emotion through her songs remains unmatched, and her status as the Queen of Soul is cemented in history. But for those who knew her personally, like Joanne, it is her warmth, her humor, and her quiet moments of vulnerability that truly define her legacy.

Joanne summed it up best: “Aretha had a voice that could move mountains, but she also had a soul that could light up a room. That’s the Aretha I’ll always remember—the Queen who ruled with love.”