The Naked Cowboy: but who is he?
Real name Robert John Burck, the Naked Cowboy is a Street artist pacing the streets of times square. Born in 1970, this American decided to create a character that is atypical to say the least. Muscular and equipped with his guitar, his white kangaroo briefs, his hat and his boots, the Naked Cowboy is present in Times Square in summer and winter and in all weathers. Become a real tourist attraction, this atypical cowboy has also appeared in several tele-hooks.
Now known to all, many tourists flock to take a photo alongside the Naked Cowboy in exchange for a few dollars.
How was the Naked Cowboy born?
In reality, the Naked Cowboy adventure did not start in New York, but in California. Originally from Cincinnati, Robert John Burck takes part one fine day in a photo shoot during which the photographer asks him to keep only his underwear (the magazine was erotic and was intended for the fairer sex). It was from this moment that the Naked Cowboy was born.
Take a picture with the Naked Cowboy
If you're heading to Times Square, taking a photo with the Naked Cowboy is unavoidable ! But why pose alongside the Naked Cowboy? The first reason is that you will leave with a unique shot of you with an almost naked cowboy in the middle of Times Square! Original, right?
Then, the Naked Cowboy will put you at ease and take the time to take several photos with you. Very friendly, he will also take the time to chat with you.
Finally, the Naked Cowboy will sign your photo. In addition to leaving with several pictures, you will also have a autograph !
The Naked Cowboy attracts a lot of people. Often, you have to be patient to be able to pose at his side. But it is definitely worth it!
A small business that has managed to grow
If its beginnings were rather difficult, the Naked Cowboy wins today approximately $ 300 per day just by performing in Times Square. He performs in show 321 days per year, and has been since 1999.
But over time, Robert John Burck's business has grown. Indeed, today the Naked Cowboy has his name on different derivative products and it even offers to marry the people who want it directly in Times Square from $ 499. On its website, it also offers items like the book "Determination - The Legend Of The Naked Cowboy", T-shirts, banners, mugs and of course the famous white "Naked Cowboy" briefs.
This atypical character also offerslead seminars or any other event against remuneration.
According to Time magazine, the Naked Cowboy wins today $ 150 per year.
The creation of a franchise
Faced with the success of his business, Robert John Burck decided to create the Naked Cowboy franchise. This is how, also in Times Square, the Black Naked Cowboy and the Naked Cowgirl. New characters approved and also very popular with tourists.
But if you too want to be part of the Naked Cowboy adventure and perform in Times Square, you will first need to take a hearing, then if your talent has convinced you, you will have to pay Robert John Burck a license in the amount of $ 5 for the whole year (or $ 000 per month).
A "naked cowboy" who became famous
Over time, the Naked Cowboy has become a famous character and much loved by tourists, but not only. Indeed, the latter has also appeared in several music videos et TV shows. He also tried his luck on the shows "American Idol", "Australian Idol" and "Star Search" but without success. The Naked Cowboy has also appeared on the show "Trubidy Tonight", but also in several advertising campaigns. He has also been present in various documentaries
A Naked Cowboy with many ideas
In 2012, during the presidential elections of the United States, Robert John Burck decided to pose his application. He represented the ultra-liberal and ultra-conservative movement of small parties opposed to that of the former President of the United States, Barack Obama. Moreover for this occasion, he had cut his hair and wore a suit. It wasn't the first time the Naked Cowboy wanted to get into politics. In fact, in 2009, he had already applied for the New York City Hall before retracting shortly thereafter.
And here. You now know everything about the famous Naked Cowboy in Times Square. During your stay in New York, don't forget to take a little photo with him! You will be able to discover this famous "naked cowboy"!
