Blues Image: Ride Captain Ride

One-hit Wonder Wednesday this week features a classic cut from 1970: Blues Image with “Ride Captain Ride.” While Blues Image released other singles, “Ride Captain Ride” was their only Top 40 hit. Formed in Tampa, the band made a name for itself in Miami where they frequently opened for up and coming national acts.

“Ride Captain Ride” was written by lead vocalist/guitarist Mike Pinera and keyboardist Skip Konte. Konte plays a Wurlitzer electric piano on this cut. They are joined on this recording by drummer Manny Bertematti, bassist Malcolm Jones, and percussionist Joe Lala. Lala later was with Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young and received sub-billing on the cover of “Déjà vu” along with Dallas Reeves.

The guitar fills in the song were provided by Kent Henry who would later replace Mike Pinera when he left the band to join Iron Butterfly. The distorted lead guitar at the end of the cut was supplied by Pineara who takes the song out to the fade. This classic rock one-hit wonder charted at #4.