Omara Portuondo is a legendary Cuban singer and dancer who began her career in the glory days of The Tropicana nightclub in Havana, Cuba.
Long known for singing bolero and jazz, Portuondo got even more famous when she sang “Veinte años” with Ibrahim Ferrer on the landmark album that reintroduced son Cubano to the world, “Buena Vista Social Club” in 1996. She is the now the last living member of the Buena Vista Social Club.
Omara Portuondo in NYC
Buena Vista Social Club legend Omara Portuondo brings her “Farewell World Tour Vida” to Sony Hall in the Times Square Theater District; on Friday, November 3, 2023 at 8pm. From $75. 🇨🇺
Buena Vista Social Club legend Omara Portuondo brings her “Farewell World Tour Vida” to New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark; on Friday, November 10, 2023 at 8pm. From $59. njpac.org 🇨🇺
Portuondo is a Latin Grammy winner for Best Contemporary Tropical Album, and was recognized with the Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
A Legendary Cuban Singer
At 92 (2023), she just keeps on going and keeps making great music. If you want the real thing, that’s Omara Portuondo. Her career spans the entire era of Cuban music as a world music.
She was born in Havana, Cuba on October 29, 1930. By the time she was 15, Omara was singing in the Las d’Aida quartet at Havana’s legendary Tropicana night club. She did that for 15 years.
In 1959, Omara released her first album, “Magia Negra” (Black Magic). In the 1970s, she sang with Orquesta Aragón.
In 1996, Omara recorded on the legendary Buena Vista Social Club album. That record brought old timers of Cuban music back out into the world. She then toured with the group.
She then recorded “Desafios” (1997) with Chucho Valdés, another Cuban music legend.
In 2004, Omara’s “Flor de Amor” was nominated for a Grammy. The next year she won a Billboard award for Best Tropical Album of the Year.
Farewell World Tour Vida
Omara’s 2023 “Farewell World Tour Vida” may be one of your last chances to see the “Grand Cuban Lady of Feeling.” She’s remembering her life and promoting her album “Vida” produced by Guatemalan singer-songwriter Gaby Moreno whose music has a very similar vibe. The album also features Ruben Blades, Orchesta Failde, Andy Montáñez, Raphael, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, and many others.