On October 1, 1971, the first issue of Right On! Magazine was published. The issue featured a cover photo of musical group The Jackson Five, along with numerous fold-out posters and articles on the band.

Right On! was first published by the Laufer Company and was headquartered in New York City. In its formative years, the publication was an official source for relevant coverage on Motown phenomenon Michael Jackson and The Jackson 5. As the publication matured, Right On!, whose title derived from the iconic expression of positivity, helped popularize such celebrities as Prince, Janet Jackson, New Edition, New Kids On The Block, Nicki Minaj, Tupac and The Notorious B.I.G. The Magazine has appeared in numerous films, television segments and videos throughout the years and is considered a forerunner of urban music magazines.

The periodical was continually published as a monthly magazine until 2014, focusing on African-American celebrities and popular culture. The magazine was acquired by Right On! Media Holdings, LLC in 2016, which, as of 2024, continues publishing a digital edition at rightondigital.com, along with select print titles.