The Rainmakers “Downstream” released as single

Downstream The Rainmakers

Writer(s): Bob Walkenhorst (see lyrics here) Album Released: August 1986 Album Charted: September 13, 1986 Single Released: May 11, 1987 Peak: 1 DF (Click for codes to charts.) Sales (in millions): -- Airplay/Streaming (in millions): -- radio, 0.16 video, 0.11 streaming

Awards: Click on award for more details.

About the Song: In 1983, singer/songwriter, guitarist and drummer Bob Walkenhorst formed a three-piece bar band with guitarist/singer Steve Phillips and bassist Rich Ruth. The trio, known as Steve, Bob and Rich, formed in Kansas City and became popular in the Midwest, evolving into the Rainmakers after the addition of Pat Tomek on drums. That group never gained widespread national attention, although they remained a regional favorite and surprisingly gained an audience in Norway. The Rainmakers released their self-titled debut in 1986. The album included newly recorded versions of “Let My People Go Go,” “Nobody Knows,” “Big Fat Blonde,” and “Information,” all songs originally recorded for the 1984 Steve, Bob and Rich album Balls. Among the new material the most notable was the song “Downstream.” The song celebrated the band’s Missouri roots with references to rock-and-roll architect Chuck Berry, President Harry Truman, and writer Mark Twain. The homage to Berry is especially appropriate considering how much the band draws their roots-rock sound from artists such as him, Creedence Clearwater Revival, and Bruce Springsteen. He also explained that when he first teamed with Steve Phillips, they were both CCR “fanatics – it was the best band that ever existed: hard, powerful vocals yet simple song structures.” LR Walkenhorst also said, “I admire Springsteen a lot…he hasn’t contradicted himself; he’s not acting like a god.” PK Its also fitting that “Downstream” references Mark Twain. The history page on the Rainmakers’ website describes the band as combining “the guitar power of Berry with the social wit of Twain into a unique brand of Missouri rock n’ roll.” RM It’s also been said that their “though-provoking rock and roll…recalls the lyrics of T-Bone Burnett…and the early Rolling Stones.” PK “Cross a more literate John Mellencamp with Webb Wilder and you have this…band sized up.” AMG Resources: DMDB encyclopedia entry for The Rainmakers AMG All Music Guide review of The Rainmakers LR Len Righi (9/13/1986). The Morning Call “The Rainmarkers (sic) Pray It’s Not Too Late” PK Peter Kobel (12/2/1987). Chicago Tribune “Politics or No, the Rainmakers Call It Rock” RM Rainmakers.com (history) Related Links: First posted 7/12/2022; last updated 12/29/2022.