Today marks the 50th anniversary of the Cuban revolution that brought Fidel Castro to power. The sweeping changes to the island nation weren't only of the political variety. Cuban music adapted and evolved, too. To take us on a tour through five decades of Cuban music, The Takeaway talks to Ned Sublette, author of Cuba and It’s Music: From the First Drums to the Mamba.

If you want more of Ned Sublette's musical insight, check out his choices of the best of Cuban music.