Blues Image

The Blues Image was a one-hit wonder band known for their Latin-tinged pop/rock hit "Ride Captain Ride," which reached the Top Ten and sold a million copies in 1970. Formed in Tampa, FL, in 1966, the group included Michael Pinera (guitar, vocals), Manuel Bertematti (percussion), Joe Lala (drums), Malcolm Jones (bass), and Frank "Skip" Konte (keyboards). After releasing their debut album in 1969, they disbanded following their hit single. Pinera went on to join Iron Butterfly and other projects, while Lala became a sought-after session player in Los Angeles, collaborating with artists like Joe Walsh and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.

Despite the success of "Ride Captain Ride," the Blues Image never matched its popularity and eventually disbanded, with members pursuing different musical ventures. Pinera formed Thee Image and embarked on a solo career before his passing in 2024. Lala found success as a session player in Los Angeles, working with notable artists like Joe Walsh and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. The band's legacy lives on through their hit single and the various musical projects its members embarked on post-breakup.