National Geographic Music (National Geographic)

Omara Portuando is one of Cuba's greatest vocalists, and has been considered one of the best since she started singing in the late '40s. From 1950 through the late '60s, she was one of Cuba's best known interpreters of songs in the filin style (the word is taken from the English feeling, and describes music inspired by the work of Frank Sinatra, Mel Tormé, and Glen Miller, among others).

Portuondo sang with a number of groups at the height of her popularity, and was one of the creators of the Cuarteto D'Aida, along with her sister Haydée, Elena Burke, and Moraima Secada. Acclaimed in Cuba, she also became very popular in Mexico and other South American countries, as well as in Spain.

— Courtesy Calabash Music