In a musical career that spanned more than five decades, Aretha Franklin had over 100 singles on the Billboard charts. But more importantly, says Jon Pareles, chief popular music critic for The New York Times, she freed other singers to let their voices fly. Subscribe: http://bit.ly/U8Ys7n More from The New York Times Video: http://nytimes.com/video ———- Whether it’s reporting on conflicts abroad and political divisions at home, or covering the latest style trends and scientific developments, New York Times video journalists provide a revealing and unforgettable view of the world. It’s all the news that’s fit to watch.

Aretha Franklin dies at age 76: Special Report