Blues Image

The Blues Image emerged in 1966 as a Latin-tinged pop/rock outfit whose sole chart success arrived with the 1970 release of “Ride Captain Ride,” a Top Ten single that moved a million copies. Formed in Tampa, FL, by guitarist and vocalist Michael Pinera (born September 29, 1948, Tampa, FL), percussionist Manuel Bertematti (born 1946, Tampa, FL), and drummer Joe Lala (born Tampa, FL), the group added bassist Malcolm Jones (born Cardiff, Wales) that same year and, in 1968, keyboardist Frank “Skip” Konte (born Canyon City, OK). After relocating to New York City in 1968, where the musicians operated a venue named the Image, they headed to Los Angeles and secured a deal with Atlantic Records’ Atco imprint in February 1969. Their self-titled debut appeared shortly afterward, followed in 1970 by the album Open that contained their signature track. No comparable hit materialized; Pinera departed, making way for guitarist Kent Henry and vocalist Dennis Correll, before the lineup dissolved entirely. Outtakes later surfaced as the posthumous collection Red White & Blues Image. Konte subsequently entered Three Dog Night, while several remaining members regrouped as Manna. Pinera went on to stints with Iron Butterfly and Ramatam, then reunited with Bertematti in the New Cactus Band, launched Thee Image, and pursued solo work until his death on November 20, 2024, at age 76. Lala established himself as a Los Angeles session musician, contributing to projects by Joe Walsh and the various lineups of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.