Getting his start in the early 1960s, Mike Pinera produced albums like Isla and Forever. But his career went far beyond his solo work as he helped form the band Blues Image in the late 1960s. Recording hit songs like "Ride Captain Ride", the band went on to open for groups like Cream, Grateful Dead, Led Zeppelin, and even Jimi Hendrix. Continuing to perform and share his love for music with the world, Pinera sadly passed away on November 20th at 76 years old.
While never stepping off the stage, Pinera spent his career performing not just with Blues Image but other bands including Iron Butterfly and Alice Cooper. Although happy for his time in the spotlight, nothing compared to his time with the band he helped create. In 2014, the singer discussed the music Blues Image was producing. "People felt that there was a higher reality which we were all part of but couldn't quite get there on our own. So they looked to psychedelic rock, meditation, Eastern music and alternative lifestyles to expand their consciousness [and] accommodate the vast realms they began to discover."
Embracing the psychedelic rock movement and the powers of mediation, Pinera watched as it took over the band. "In Blues Image, Manny Bertematti and I began learning meditation techniques, vegetarian diets, fasting and treating everyone we met like they were our family. ... We discovered dimensions of well-being that had us glowing from head to toe. Our music expressed levels of spontaneity that had us playing the very same thing together at the same - without knowing how or why!"
Having more than enough stories of his time in the music industry, Pinera held his memories of Jimi Hendrix and Jimmy Page close. "Meeting, becoming friends and jamming with Jimi Hendrix and Jimmy Page, among others. They were very social and open if you got to know them." He continued, "To people on the outside they came off as very private almost out of reach. But in quiet, laid back surroundings, you could feel a deep sadness and hunger for true friendship and sincerity."
Although passing away due to liver failure, Pinera's legacy in music continues to showcase his talent and contributions to blues rock.