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.

[1] Blues Image became the house band at the club, which featured acts like Cream, 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.

Pinera left the band to join Iron Butterfly in the fall of 1969, during the recording of Open,[1] with Henry becoming his official replacement on guitar and new lead singer Denny Correll handling vocals.

Bertematti later played and recorded with the New Cactus Band and toured with Iron Butterfly, Chi Coltrane, and Bobby Womack.