Blues Image

Blues Image was formed in Tampa, Florida in 1966 by singer-guitarist Mike Pinera, singer-drummer Manuel "Manny" Bertematti, singer-percussionist Joe Lala, keyboardist Emilio Garcia, and bassist Malcolm Jones. They were later joined by keyboardist Frank "Skip" Konte when Emilio Garcia left the band to become a pilot. It was Blues Image's only charting hit. Pinera left the band to join Iron Butterfly in the fall of 1969, during the recording of Open, Joe Lala died of complications from lung cancer on March 18, 2014, at the age of 66. Mike Pinera died of liver failure on November 20, 2024, at the age of 76. The group can briefly be seen performing "Ride Captain Ride" in the 1971 film, Dusty and Sweets McGee. ==Personnel==

• Manuel "Manny" Bertematti – drums, vocals (1966–1970) • Joe Lala – percussion, vocals (1966-1970; died 2014) • Malcolm Jones - bass (1966–1970) • Mike Pinera – guitar, vocals (1966–1969; died 2024) • Emilio Garcia – keyboards (1966–1967) • Frank "Skip" Konte – keyboards (1967–1970) • Denny Correll – vocals (1970; died 2002) • Kent Henry – guitar (1970; died 2009) • Michael Franklin • Tim Franklin • Bill Britton – guitar (1967–1969) • Oscar Vildosola – drums (1970) ==Discography==

Albums Compilation albums Singles ==References==