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Janet Jackson Appreciation Day: 8 Times She Slayed On The Cover Of ESSENCE

A look back at the most unforgettable ESSENCE covers featuring Janet Jackson.
Janet Jackson Appreciation Day: 8 Times She Slayed On The Cover Of ESSENCE
By Essence ·
There’s no way we could let #JanetJacksonAppreciationDay go by without looking back on all the times Ms. Jackson blessed the cover of ESSENCE with the unique brand of Black Girl Magic that she spreads everywhere she goes. Scroll through for a quick trip down memory lane and be sure to let us know which of Janet’s iconic ESSENCE covers you loved the most.
01
January 1985

In October of 1984, Janet released her second studio album, Dream Street, and later made the courageous decision to leave her then-husband less than a year later in January of 1985. She graced the cover of ESSENCE to share her personal story.

Janet Jackson Appreciation Day: 8 Times She Slayed On The Cover Of ESSENCE

ESSENCE

02
March 1990

The Rhythm Nation World Tour was Janet’s first worldwide tour in support of her multi-platinum album. The star gave ESSENCE an exclusive interview in March of 1990.

Janet Jackson Appreciation Day: 8 Times She Slayed On The Cover Of ESSENCE
03
May 1993

Janet landed her first starring movie role for Poetic Justice in 1993 and graced the cover of ESSENCE in May of that year. Since then, her acting career has continued to blossom.

Janet Jackson Appreciation Day: 8 Times She Slayed On The Cover Of ESSENCE

ESSENCE

04
September 2001

Janet’s fifth consecutive album, “All for You” hit number one on the Billboard Charts in 2001. She graced the cover of ESSENCE in September of that year.

Janet Jackson Appreciation Day: 8 Times She Slayed On The Cover Of ESSENCE
05
June 2004

Janet joined Beyonce and Mary J. Blige for a priceless June 2004 ESSENCE cover in celebration of each diva going triple platinum that year.

Janet Jackson Appreciation Day: 8 Times She Slayed On The Cover Of ESSENCE
06
August 2010
In 2010, Janet reignited her acting flame, playing opposite an all-star cast in Tyler Perry’s critically-acclaimed For Colored Girls film and reprising her starring role in Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married Too. She also headlining the 2010 ESSENCE Festival in July and graced the cover of ESSENCE in August of that year.
Janet Jackson Appreciation Day: 8 Times She Slayed On The Cover Of ESSENCE
07
December 2010
Janet returned to the December cover of ESSENCE in 2010 alongside the star-studded cast of Tyler Perry’s For Colored Girls.
Janet Jackson Appreciation Day: 8 Times She Slayed On The Cover Of ESSENCE
08
July 2018
Not only did Miss Jackson return to the headline he ESSENCE Festival mainstage in 2018, she also returned as the stunning cover star of our July/August 2018 issue.
Janet Jackson Appreciation Day: 8 Times She Slayed On The Cover Of ESSENCE