He was among the first of the "Singing cowboys" of the 1930s and 1940s (whose ranks included Jimmie Rodgers, Gene Autry, and Roy Rogers among others), and gained notoriety and national recognition as a broadcaster and singer on the infamous border radio station XEG during that time period.
Rinehart was and is regarded among many as the original "King of Border Radio," preceding Dallas "Nevada Slim" Turner, and "Wolfman Jack," who were also famous for broadcasting from these stations."
These stations had towers so powerful that they were capable of transmitting their signals to a very large portion of the United States.
In addition to having an influence on Big Bill Lister and others, Rinehart helped shape Ernest Tubb's career.
During the 1940s, his persona had become notorious enough that Hollywood studios approached him to be featured in early singing cowboy westerns, but he vehemenently declined the proposals after he was told he would have to change his surname to something less "German sounding."