Blues Image

Blues Image is an American Blues Rock band formed in Tampa, Florida in 1966 by singer-guitarist Mike Pinera. The band moved to Miami in 1968, where they were instrumental in helping promoters form the most innovative music venue in South Florida, Thee Image. Blues Image became the house band at the club, which featured bands like Cream, The Grateful Dead, and Blood, Sweat & Tears.

The band moved to Los Angeles and signed with Atco Records, releasing their self-titled debut album in February 1969. Their second album, Open (April 1970), included the single “Ride Captain Ride”, written by Pinera and Skip Konte. Pinera left the band to join Iron Butterfly in the fall of 1969. The song “Ride Captain Ride” has been used in many films over the years.