After growing up in his hometown of Norborne, Missouri, he became a founding member of the popular Midwestern U.S. roots rock band The Rainmakers.
Throughout his career as a musician, Walkenhorst has maintained a reputation for producing clever and provocative lyrics, which have garnered him wide critical acclaim.
In discussing the self-titled debut of The Rainmakers, Billboard called them "a band with a rarity: a genuinely witty songwriter.
"[3] Over three decades later, in 2018, the Richmond (Missouri) News said, "His unique vocals and viewpoints have garnered him a dedicated following, through more than 30 years in the music scene.
"[4] Perhaps the best-known fan of The Rainmakers and Walkenhorst was Stephen King, who included lyrics from the songs "Downstream" and "Drinkin' on the Job" in The Tommyknockers.