The Rainmakers & Bob Walkenhorst: Top 100 Songs

The Rainmakers/ Bob Walkenhorst Top 100 Songs

The Rainmakers are a roots-rock band from Missouri. They started as a trio in 1983 named Steve, Bob & Rich for members Steve Phillips (guitar and vocals), Bob Walkenhorst (vocals, drums, and guitar), and Rich Ruth (bass and vocals). They released one independent album, Balls, in 1984. They signed to Polygram Records, added drummer Pat Tomek, and renamed themselves the Rainmakers. They released their self-titled debut in 1986. Four more studio albums followed from 1987 to 1997. Rich Ruth had left in 1994 and was replace on their 1997 album Skin by Michael Bliss. The band were then inactive for more than a decade, during which time frontman Bob Walkenhorst released a solo album and collaborated with Jeff Porter, who joined the Rainmakers when they reunited in 2011. Steve Phillips and Pat Tomek returned to the fold as well. After three more studio albums, the band again went dormant during which time Walkenhorst collaborated with his daughter Una for a 2018 album and released another solo effort in 2021. He has also recorded two albums, known as Spare and Spare Vol. 2, of stripped-down, acoustic versions of his songs with and without the Rainmakers. Also appearing on this list are a few cuts from the 1977 album The Last Adventure by the Walkenhorst Brothers. Click here to see other best-of lists from performers and here to see other best-of lists from songwriters and/or producers. Spotify Podcast: Check out Dave’s Music Database podcast: The Best of Bob Walkenhorst and the Rainmakers based on this list. It debuts August 24, 2021 at 7pm CST. Tune in every Tuesday at 7pm for a new episode based on the lists at Dave’s Music Database.

Awards:

Top 100 Songs Dave’s Music Database lists are determined by song’s appearances on best-of lists as well as chart success, sales, radio airplay, streaming, and awards. DMDB Top 20%: 1. Let My People Go-Go (Steve, Bob, & Rich: 1984; The Rainmakers: 1986) 2. Snake Dance (1987) Beyond the DMDB Top 20%: 3. Downstream (1986) 4. The Wages of Sin (1987) 5. Big Fat Blonde (Steve, Bob, & Rich: 1984; The Rainmakers: 1986) 6. Small Circles (1987) 7. Nobody Knows (Steve, Bob, & Rich: 1984; The Rainmakers: 1986) 8. Spend It on Love (1989) 9. Government Cheese (1986) 10. Like Dogs (2011) 11. Suspicious Minds (2015) 12. Last Song of the Evening (2011) 13. Given Time (2011) 14. Primitivo Garcia (Bob Walkenhorst, 2003) 15. Drinkin’ on the Job (1986) 16. Information (Steve, Bob, & Rich: 1984; The Rainmakers: 1986) 17. Go Down Swinging (2011) 18. Half a Horse Apiece (2011) 19. Hoo Dee Hoo (1989) 20. America (2015) 21. Another Guitar (1984) 22. Reckoning Day (1989) 23. One More Summer (1987) 24. Suspicious Minds (2015) 25. The Lakeview Man (1987) 26. For Tomorrow (Bob & Una Walkenhorst, 2018) 27. Different Rub (1997) 28. No Romance (1987) 29. Long Gone Long (1986) 30. Missouri Girl (2011) 31. Thirty Days (1989) 32. Rockin’ at the T-Dance (1986) 33. Doomsville (1986) 34. Turpentine (2011) 35. The Battle of the Roses (1989) 36. Siamese Twins (1997) 37. The One That Got Away (1986) 38. Stick Together (live, 1989) 39. Baby Grand (2011) 40. Wild Oats (1989) 41. Kansas City Times (2011) 42. Skin (1997) 43. To the Hum (1997) 44. 13th Spirit (2014) 45. Rainmaker (1987) 46. Renaissance Man (1989) 47. Carpenter’s Son (1987) 48. Tattoo (1997) 49. Fool’s Gold (1994) 50. Shithole Town (2014) 51. Life Can Turn (Bob Walkenhorst, 2003) 52. Width of a Line (1994) 53. Miserable (2014) 54. Little Tiny World (1994) 55. Jan Vermeer (Bob Walkenhorst, 2003) 56. J-Walkers (Bob Wakenhorst, 2003) 57. Just Leaving (Bob Walkenhorst, 2003) 58. Shiny Shiny (1989) 59. Along Comes Mary (2015) 60. Tornado of Love (1987) 61. Just Another Joe (Bob Walkenhorst, 2003) 62. The Day We Hung Up the Flag (Bob Walkenhorst, 2003) 63. The Other Side of the World (1987) 64. Fly Over (Bob & Una Walkenhorst, 2018) 65. You Remind Me of Someone (1994) 66. Monster Movie (2014) 67. I Talk with My Hands (1987) 68. Greatest Night of My Life (1994) 69. Silver Lake (Bob Walkenhorst & Jeff Porter, 2009) 70. Remarkable (Bob Walkenhorst, 2006) 71. No Abandon (Bob Walkenhorst & Jeff Porter, 2009) 72. Mystery Road (1994) 73. Dry Dry Land (1989) 74. Sugartree (Bob Walkenhorst, 2020) 75. We Walk the Levee (1989) 76. Happy Enough (Bob Walkenhorst, 2020) 77. View from the Tower (1994) 78. Rock On (2015) 79. EGBDF (Steve, Bob & Rich: 1984) 80. A Million Miles Away (1997) 81. Punching Bag (Bob Walkenhorst, 2003) 82. Call a Wrecker (Bob Walkenhorst, 2003) 83. Stolen the Moon (Bob Walkenhorst, 2003) 84. Overland Hill (Bob Walkenhorst & Jeff Porter, 2009) 85. Burgers (Walkenhorst Brothers, 1977) 86. Spite (1994) 87. Winter Dreams (Walkenhorst Brothers, 1977) 88. Shenandoah (Bob Walkenhorst, 2016) 89. Kissin’ Time (Steve, Bob & Rich: 1984) 90. Good Sons and Daughters (1997) 91. Kissses from St. Louis (1993) 92. Rockin’ Around (1993) 93. Autumn Song (Walkenhorst Brothers, 1977) 94. When We Say Goodbye (Walkenhorst Brothers, 1977) 95. Vermillion (2011) 96. Who’s at the Wheel (2014) 97. These Hills (2011) 98. Broken Down (Bob Walkenhorst, 2003) 99. Too Many Twenties (1997) 100. Signs of a Struggle (2014) Resources and Related Links: DMDB Encyclopedia entry for The Rainmakers DMDB Encyclopedia entry for Bob Walkenhorst Dave’s Music Database: “Best-of Lists for Performers” Dave’s Music Database: “Best-of Lists for Songwriters and/or Producers First posted 6/17/2021; last updated 8/24/2021.

Bob Walkenhorst: Artist Profile

Bob Walkenhorst: Artist Profile

Born: June 1, 1953 Where: Norborne, Missouri Known As: roots-rock singer/songwriter and musician from the Rainmakers Significant Bands/Collaborations: Steve, Bob & Rich (1983-85) The Rainmakers (1986-1997) With Steve Porter (2009) With daughter Una Walkenhorst (2018)

Awards (Rainmakers): Quotable: “The Rainmakers are the Georgia Satellites with Doctorates in Theology” – Jonathan Rundman, Showcase Music Magazine

The Albums: Hover over an album for the name and year of release. Click to see its DMDB page. Compilations: Live Albums: Key Tracks: Let My People Go-Go (Rainmakers, 1986) Downstream (Rainmakers, 1986) Big Fat Blonde (Rainmakers, 1986) Snake Dance (Rainmakers, 1987) Small Circles (Rainmakers, 1987) The Wages of Sin (Rainmakers, 1987) Spend It on Love (Rainmakers, 1989) Another Guitar (Rainmakers, 1994) Different Rub (Rainmakers, 1997) Primitivo Garcia (2003) Life Can Turn (2003) Silver Lake (with Jeff Porter, 2009) Given Time (Rainmakers, 2011) Go Down Swinging (Rainmakers, 2011) Like Dogs (Rainmakers, 2011) 13th Spirit (Rainmakers, 2014) For Tomorrow (with Una Walkenhorst, 2018) Fly Over (with Una Walkenhorst, 2018)

Overview: “Missouri has long boasted of being the home of two of America’s greatest artists, Mark Twain and Chuck Berry. However, it wasn’t until The Rainmakers thundered into the national music spotlight in 1986, had anyone combined the guitar power of Berry with the social wit of Twain to form a unique brand of Missouri rock n’ roll.” AZ “Even at the height of their popularity in the late ‘80s, The Rainmakers never got the respect they deserved. Their rootsy rock not only included keen musicianship but also some of the most memorable lyrics of the era. While Michael Stipe was mumbling through his too-much-integrity phase, this Kansas City-based foursome were having a blast with singer Bob Walkenhorst’s story-telling tunes, which were equal parts humor and social commentary.” EH These “prototypical Midwestern roots-rockers…ironically achieved their greatest commercial success overseas, despite generally good reviews in their homeland. Chief songwriter Bob Walkenhorst’s playful wit and topical lyrics set the Rainmakers apart from their Heartland bar band peers, though musically they drew from the expected roots rock influences (Chuck Berry, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Bruce Springsteen, etc.).” SH Steve, Bob, & Rich (1983-1986): The band was “originally formed in 1983 as the 3 piece bar band Steve, Bob, & Rich;” AZ “the lineup consisted of guitarist/vocalist Steve Phillips, guitarist/vocalist Bob Walkenhorst, and bassist Rich Ruth.” SH “These Kansas City rockers became an instant favorite throughout the Midwest. Soon fans stood in line to see this trio they described as ‘energetic,’ ‘intense,’ but most importantly ‘fun.’” AZ “This group recorded an independently released album (titled Balls).” SH “Within months…, Steve, Bob, & Rich had signed a multi-album contract with Polygram,” AZ “upon which point they added drummer Pat Tomek and changed their name to the less specific Rainmakers.” SH America’s Next Great Band (1986-1990): “Their self-titled official debut was released in 1986.” SH “Heralded as ‘America’s Great Next Band’ by Newsday, The Rainmakers were drenched in critical acclaim. Feature articles in Newsweek, Rolling Stone, CMJ, USA Today and others poured in singing the praises of this hard working band breathing new life into the rock format.” AZ Stephen King even “twice quoted lyrics from Rainmakers songs in his best seller The Tommyknockers, and again in his 1991 novel Gerald’s Game.” AZ “Critics particularly enjoyed the unique writing style of lead vocalst Bob Walkenhorst, whose talent for choosing unusual and sometimes controversial subjects provided an eye opening perspective of life – sprinkled with sarcastic humor. The Rainmakers received notoriety for their songs’ lyrical content, including Music Connection’s award for Lyric line of the year: ‘The generation that would change the world is still looking for its car keys.’” AZ 1987’s “follow-up Tornado didn’t attract as much critical attention in the U.S., but the Rainmakers’ European audience continued to grow.” SH “Let My People Go-Go gave the Rainmakers their first Top-20 single on the British charts.” AZ “By the time of 1989’s The Good News and the Bad News, the band was concentrating mostly on that area.” SH “As critics abroad sang the band’s praises, with feature articles in New Musical Express, Kerrang, Rock Power, etc. Frequently, The Rainmakers could be spotted on European television with live appearances on Top of the Pops, The Tube, and MTV Europe. European concert dates grew in number each year, with The Rainmakers often enjoying headline status on festival bills. Their reputation as an electrifying concert act eventually led to the recording of a live album at a sold-out show in Oslo, Norway.” AZ Hiatus and Return (1990-1998): “In 1990, after 4 albums, 5 videos, 500,000+ records sold, and countless concert dates,” AZ “the Rainmakers disbanded, ostensibly for good. However, Scandinavian interest in their music held strong, and Polygram’s Norwegian division requested a new Rainmakers album in 1994. The band obliged and recorded Flirting with the Universe on their own in Steve Phillips’ basement. The album was a smash in Norway, achieving that country’s equivalent of gold sales within two months, and the band was encouraged enough to stage a full-fledged reunion.” SH “Overwhelmed by the response to Flirting...,” AZ the band “signed with the independent Kansas label V&R,” SH and “returned to the studio to record, Skin. As with previous releases, Walkenhorst proved that no subject matter was too controversial choosing to take aim at pornography and its societal impact.” AZ “Ruth left the band during the recording sessions, with accounts divided as to whether it was due to the lyrical content or the fact that he had moved from Kansas City to Nashville; regardless, he was replaced by Michael Bliss. The resulting album, Skin, was released…[in 1997] to mostly good reviews.” SH Bob As a Solo Artist (2003-2010): Bob Walkenhorst released his solo debut The Beginner in 2003, maintaining the same lyric and vocal style that made The Rainmakers one of the most distinct band of the ‘80s and ‘90s, even if most of the world wasn’t paying attention. In 2009, he paired with fellow Kansas City musician Jeff Porter for the release of No Abandon. The Reunion (2011-2015): With the 25th anniversary of the Rainmakers debut album coming in 2011, Walkenhorst thought the timing would be perfect for a Rainmakers’ reunion. Steve Phillips was busy with his band The Elders, but bassist Rich Ruth and drummer Pat Tomek both came on board. Walkenhorst’s duo partner from No Abandon rounded out the quartet for the band’s first studio album in 14 years – 25 On. A series of reunion concerts followed and they followed up with the Monster Movie and Cover Band albums in 2014 and 2015. Back to Solo Work (2015-2021): After Cover Band, the Rainmakers did shows sporadically and Bob recorded the album For Tomorrow (2018) with his daughter Una. The title cut was voted the #1 song of the year by Kansas City’s 90.9 The Bridge radio station. Bob was back with his official second solo album, A Thousand Words, in 2021. Resources and Related Links: DMDB Encyclopedia entry for Bob Walkenhorst DMDB Encyclopedia entry for the Rainmakers BobWalkenhorst.com (official site) Rainmakers.com (official site) AZ Amazon.com (nearly the same content as what appears on Rainmakers.com – FAQs EH Erin Hawkins (6/12/1997). Eye Weekly SH Steve Huey, All Music Guide JR Jonathan Rundman (Dec. 1997). Showcase Music Magazine First posted 3/17/2011; last updated 6/5/2021.

The Rainmakers “Let My People Go Go” charted in the UK

Let My People Go Go The Rainmakers

Writer(s): Bob Walkenhorst (see lyrics here) Released: 1986 First Charted: March 7, 1987 Peak: 18 UK, 1 DF (Click for codes to singles charts.) Sales (in millions): -- Airplay/Streaming (in millions): -- radio, 0.18 video, 0.54 streaming

Awards: Click on award for more details.

About the Song: The Rainmakers released their self-titled debut in 1986 after first breaking out in 1983 as a trio known as Steve, Bob, and Rich. The group was described as part Jason & the Scorchers, part Georgia Satellites, and part Bob Dylan’s Highway 61 Revisited. EW The album was well received critically, proclaimed “the most auspicious debut album of the year” by Newsweek magazine. “Let My People Go Go” was released as the lead single and, while it didn’t achieve any chart success stateside, it reached the top 20 in the UK. It was the most successful song of the band’s career. EW The music was “hard-hitting Mid-American rock ‘n’ roll, built around a Chuck Berry riff, bolstered by the Memphis Horns, and featuring a Dylanesque snarl by Bob Walkenhorst,” WP the group’s lead singer and chief songwriter. The song was loosely based on “Go Down Moses,” an American Negro spiritual anthem. WK Moses climbs the mountain to question God who reveals “that the secret of life is, in the words of that great prophet Little Richard, ‘A womp bop a lu bop a lop bam boom!’” WP Walkenhorst said he got letters from ministers and born-agains thanking him for “putting religion back into music again.” WP On the flip side, he said he’s had “roughnecks come up to me in bars and say, ‘Yeah, I hate religion too.’” WP Some attacked him as “anti-religious and a blasphemer.” EW He explained that religion, rock ‘n’ roll and having a cynical attitude were all a part of being in the Midwest. “I don’t come down on either side of the issue. I think Moses and God come out well…and I think Little Richard and the Coasters do, too. Both sides deserved to be celebrated...I’m not a religious guy, but when you’re playing rock ‘n’ roll, you’re trying to touch something spiritual within yourself and communicate it to someone else. Guys like Elvis and Bruce don’t just move your feet – they move your heart.” WP Resources: DMDB encyclopedia entry for The Rainmakers EW Elsewhere.co.nz (7/4/2011). “The Rainmakers: Let My People Go Go (1986)” by Graham Reid WP Washington Post (3/25/1987). “Rocking from the Heartland” by Geoffrey Himes WK Wikipedia Related Links: First posted 10/26/2022.

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.

Steve, Bob & Rich’s Balls released this year

Balls Steve, Bob & Rich

Released: 1984 Peak: -- Sales (in millions): -- Genre: roots rock

Tracks: Let My People Go-Go Nobody Knows EGBDF Kissin’ Time A Only Chile Big Fat Blonde Makes No Sense Christine Information Roll On Songs written by Bob Walkenhorst. The Players: Bob Walkenhorst (vocals, guitar, drums) Rich Ruth (bass, vocals) Steve Phillips (guitar, vocals, lead vocal on “Nobody Knows”)

Rating: 4.200 out of 5.00 (average of 3 ratings)

About the Album: The three-piece bar band Steve, Bob & Rich formed in 1983. “These Kansas City rockers became an instant favorite throughout the Midwest. Soon fans stood in line to see this trio they described as ‘energetic,’ ‘intense,’ but most importantly ‘fun.’” AZ They self-produced their one and only album, Balls, in 1984. Within months, the trio signed a multi-album contract with Polygram, added drummer Pat Tomek, and became the Rainmakers, who would be hailed by Newdsay as “America’s Great Next Band.” AZ Amazon.com said this about the Rainmakers: “Missouri has long boasted of being the home of two of America’s greatest artists, Mark Twain and Chuck Berry. However, it wasn’t until The Rainmakers thundered into the national music spotlight in 1986, had anyone combined the guitar power of Berry with the social wit of Twain to form a unique brand of Missouri rock n’ roll.” AZ Let My People Go-Go, Nobody Knows, Big Fat Blonde, and Information would all resurface on the Rainmakers’ self-titled debut in 1986, but appear here first in stripped-down versions. Those songs “plus other strong originals capture the band lean, hungry and in all their 3-piece glory.” AZ “The remix and remastering makes it sound as if you are sitting in the room with the band, as most cuts were recorded completely live in the studio…No Rainmakers fan can be without this one!” AZ Notes: A CD reissue added seven live cuts from 1985: “Subterranean Homesick Blues,” “Tough Boys,” “Hanging Around,” “Nasty Man,” “Rockin’ All Over the World,” “Let My People Go-Go,” and “Switchblade.”

Resources and Related Links: AZ Amazon.com First posted 2/4/2009 updated 6/2/2021.