Blues Image was a critically acclaimed late 1960s rock band. Their most successful song was "Ride Captain Ride," which went all the way to #4 on the Billboard Charts. Blues Image was a well respected band among their peers. In an interview conducted by British magazine Melody Maker, Jimi Hendrix said that Blues Image was one of the best up and coming bands around. Shortly before Hendrix's demise, Hendrix and Bertematti were seen jamming at popular underground club, "The Experience" on Los Angeles' Sunset Strip. Blues Image was formed in Tampa, Florida in 1966 by singer-guitarist Mike Pinera, singer-drummer Manuel "Manny" Bertematti, singer-percussionist Joe Lala and bassist Malcolm Jones. They were later joined by keyboardist Frank "Skip" Konte. Blues Image moved to Miami in 1968, where they were instrumental in helping promoters form the most innovative music venue in South Florida, "The Image". Blues Image became the house band at the club