The NYC People Profile: Naked Cowboy
A few years ago my mom was visiting me in New York. As we were walking through Times Square she screamed “There’s the Naked Cowboy!” and took off towards a half-naked man with a cowboy hat. Horrified, having no idea as to what she was referring, I followed and learned of the photo-op phenomena that captivates the attention of visitors and residents alike: the Naked Cowboy.
Rain or shine, sleet or snow. He makes his appearances on the sidewalks of Times Square, dressed in white briefs and cowboy boots, with his guitar, dancing. Nothing stops the Naked Cowboy.
Born Robert John Burick in Cincinnati, Ohio, the now 37 year old graduated from University of Cincinnati in 1995 with a degree in Political Science. He left the middle America and headed west to California hoping to become a model. While his modeling career went nowhere, Burick went to the piers at Venice Beach dressed as a cowboy and played his guitar for money. Disappointed at the amount he made, his girlfriend suggested that he wear only his underwear. The Naked Cowboy was born.
Thing aren’t all bad for the Naked Cowboy these days. He has his own official website, official podcast, Naked Cowboy tv, and is slated to release his own mobile ring tones. He has made cameos on numerous tv shows, commercials, and music videos. The Naked Cowboy has said that he can make over $1,000 in tips in one day in Times Square and charges about that much for private appearances.
You can catch the Naked Cowboy in Times Square when you least expect him!
Photo credit: Personal Collection
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6 Comments
[...] Time’s Square fixture the Naked Cowboy is suing M&Ms for trademark infringement. If he wins the $6 million he is asking for, [...]
I’ve been to Manhattan probably a hundred times in my life, and never once have had the joy of seeing/meeting the Naked Cowboy!
That had to be hilarious for you, to have your mom know about him and you didn’t! LOL
DEGENERATED COUNTRY .
JUST MONEY.
[...] was a rumor going around that the Naked Cowboy has gotten too big for his britches (figuratively speaking, of course) and was no longer the Times [...]
Hi Heather — Thanks for this write-up for a former resident of Manhattan in the 1960s — now living in Portland, OR. I’ve seen the Naked Cowboy several times, and even have a photo of him in an album somewhere.
Make it a great day!
Cordially,
Ellen Kimball
Good-bye, Heather. Looks as if you’ve moved on to bigger and better things as of 7/31/08.
Warm regards,
Ellen