Whitney Houston.mPrior to her tragic passing in February of 2012, this legendary musician reached the heights of the entertainment industry, winning several awards during her almost 40-year career.One cannot tell the story of ESSENCE Magazine without including this Newark, NJ-born songstress. Since her eponymous debut album was released in 1985, Houston has appeared on the cover of ESSENCE a total of four times, each portrait exuding her joyous and fun-loving spirit.Article continues after video.She first appeared on our cover in 1990, fresh off of the success of her chart-topping album I’m Your Baby Tonight.