Omara Portuondo’s Latin Grammy Award-nominated Gracias was released in the United States in 2008, but she wasn’t able to tour stateside in support of the album until now.

Like other Cuban singers, Portuondo, best known as one of the stars of the “Buena Vista Social Club”, had been barred from performing in the States since 2003, when the administration of President George W. Bush tightened visa regulations.

Her recent shows in Los Angeles and San Francisco mark the start of what is expected to be a new wave of performances in the United States by Cuban artists. The 79-year-old singer recently spoke about Gracias and her tour.

Was it upsetting for you to be kept out of the United States?

The first time I came here to perform was in 1951, and I came many times after that. In Cuba, I also met so many American artists, like Nat “King” Cole, Sarah Vaughan and Stan Kenton. I used to sing Stormy Weather, and later I met Lena Horne. For musical reasons that don’t hurt anyone and only make people happy, I wanted to come here again.

Is Gracias a retrospective of your career?

I tried to include styles that people who only know me from “Buena Vista Social Club” might not know I sing and that are part of our Cuban culture: filin, African rhythms, songs by Pablo Milanes and Silvio Rodriguez. Jorge Drexler wrote the song Gracias.

Is there a song on the album that’s particularly special for you?

I recorded a Cuban lullaby, Drume Negrita. My father sang it to me when I was a baby, and I sang it to my children and granddaughter.

You’re best known in Cuba as a member of the filin movement.

It was started by a group of young people in Havana who were influenced by the traditional Cuban trova (folk) and also Tommy Dorsey and other big bands who would play in Havana. When we heard a good song we’d say, “Hey, that song has feeling,” and that’s how the movement got its name.

What’s ahead for you?

I think I still have a lot left to do. If an interesting project comes up and they invite me, I’ll do it. Music gives you peace, it gives you happiness.