Jet magazine's most iconic covers

Since 1951, Jet magazine has been known for its groundbreaking and historical covers, which have featured prominent figures ranging from Martin Luther King Jr. to Michael Jackson.

In June 2014, the iconic digest started making a digital transformation with the launch of a new app. As the magazine switches from print to screen, here's a look back at some of Jet’s most famous covers.

1951

This 1951 issue features Edna Mae Robinson, wife of Sugar Ray Robinson.

1955

Jet magazine cover featuring singer and actress Eartha Kitt.

1965

Jet magazine cover featuring musician Nat King Cole.

1965

Jet magazine cover featuring Civil Rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

1967

Jet magazine cover featuring vocalist and musician, Aretha Franklin.

1981

Jet magazine cover featuring former professional boxer Muhammad Ali.

1981

Jet magazine cover featuring "King of Pop" Michael Jackson.

1982

Jet magazine cover featuring one of the founding fathers of funk music, James Brown.

1982

Jet magazine cover featuring singer-songwriter Marvin Gaye.

1983

Jet magazine cover featuring the first African-American mayor of Chicago, Harold Washington.

1985

Jet magazine cover featuring music entertainer Prince.

1990

Jet magazine cover featuring composer and record producer Quincy Jones.

1999

Jet magazine cover featuring singer Aretha Franklin.

2005

Jet magazine cover featuring the founder of the Johnson Publishing Company and Jet, John H. Johnson.

2014

Jet magazine cover featuring talk show host Queen Latifah.

2014

Jet magazine cover featuring TV personality La La Anthony.

2014

The first issue of the new Jet digital magazine app featuring entertainer and talk show host KeKe Palmer.