The Rainmakers: A Roots Rock Band from the Heartland
Origins (1983–1985)
The Rainmakers began in Kansas City in the early 1980s as a trio called Steve, Bob & Rich, featuring Steve Phillips (guitar/vocals), Bob Walkenhorst (drums/vocals), and Rich Ruth (bass/vocals). They gained local popularity and released an independent album titled Balls.
In 1985, they added drummer Pat Tomek, allowing Walkenhorst to step out as frontman and rhythm guitarist. The band was soon signed to PolyGram Records and rebranded as The Rainmakers.
Breakthrough and Early Success (1986–1989)
Their self-titled debut album, The Rainmakers (1986), was critically acclaimed for its energetic sound and lyrical intelligence. The single “Let My People Go-Go” reached the UK Top 20, helping the band build a significant European following.
The Rainmakers were praised by major media outlets including Rolling Stone, Newsweek, and Billboard. Their lyrics combined social commentary, satire, and blue-collar realism, drawing comparisons to Bruce Springsteen, John Mellencamp, and Chuck Berry.
Stephen King, the bestselling author, became a vocal fan, quoting Rainmakers lyrics in his novels The Tommyknockers and Gerald’s Game.
Their second album, Tornado (1987), continued in the same lyrical and musical vein. While it didn’t reach the commercial success of their debut in the U.S., it solidified their popularity in Europe, particularly in Scandinavia.
The Good News and the Bad News (1989) followed, but despite strong songs and reviews, commercial momentum in the U.S. had waned. In 1990, the band released a live album (Oslo-Wichita LIVE) and shortly thereafter disbanded.
International Popularity and Scandinavian Success (1994–1998)
In 1994, The Rainmakers reunited and released Flirting with the Universe, which went gold in Norway within a month of release. Their European fanbase remained strong and supportive.
This era saw a new lineup that included Michael Bliss on bass. They followed up with Skin in 1996 before disbanding again in 1998.
Reunion and Continued Activity (2011–Present)
The band reunited again in 2011 with original members Bob Walkenhorst, Pat Tomek, and Rich Ruth, joined by new guitarist Jeff Porter. Steve Phillips did not return.
That same year, they were inducted into the Kansas Music Hall of Fame. They released 25 On (2011) to mark 25 years since their debut, followed by Monster Movie (2014) and Cover Band (2015). The band resumed performing live, especially in Kansas City and Scandinavia, where they retained a loyal audience.
Bob Walkenhorst
Bob Walkenhorst, born in Norborne, Missouri, is the creative engine of The Rainmakers. His songwriting is known for its depth, wit, and insightful commentary on American life, politics, and culture. He has been widely praised for his lyrical intelligence by critics and fellow musicians alike.
In addition to his work with The Rainmakers, Walkenhorst has released solo material, including the album The Beginner (2003), and has performed live in the Kansas City area for years, often as a solo act or with guitarist Jeff Porter.
Walkenhorst’s ability to blend humor, storytelling, and political awareness into rock and roll lyrics has earned him a unique place in American music.
Discography (Selected)
Studio Albums
Balls (1984, as Steve, Bob & Rich)
The Rainmakers (1986)
Tornado (1987)
The Good News and the Bad News (1989)
Flirting with the Universe (1994)
Skin (1996)
25 On (2011)
Monster Movie (2014)
Cover Band (2015)
Live and Compilation Albums
Oslo-Wichita LIVE (1990)
The Best of the Rainmakers (1993)
Thanksgiving 2011 (2011)
Influence and Legacy
The Rainmakers are known for delivering hard-edged, literate rock music that straddles the line between heartland rock and power pop. Their blend of Midwestern honesty, clever wordplay, and rock energy has kept them relevant and respected over decades.
Although their peak U.S. popularity was relatively brief, their international impact, especially in Norway, and their influence on fans and musicians have given them a lasting legacy. They remain an important part of the Kansas City music scene and a beloved cult act among roots rock fans.
