Naked Cowboy
Robert John Burck (born December 23 1970 in Cincinnati, Ohio), better known as the Naked Cowboy, is an American busker and prominent fixture of New York City's Times Square. His routine consists of playing guitar wearing only cowboy boots, a hat, and a pair of briefs, with the guitar strategically placed to give the illusion of nudity. He later inspired the Naked Cowgirl, who wears pasties, cowboy boots with spurs, a hat, and a mini-skirt.[1]
Burck began his street performance career in 1998 after a shoot at Playgirl and first appeared on Venice Beach. After some disappointing starts, a friend had suggested to him that he dress only in his underwear.[2]
In 2000, Burck was in the short-lived Moral Court starring conservative/libertarian talk show host, Larry Elder. His girlfriend brought him to the show because she thought the Naked Cowboy persona was immoral. Elder ruled that Burck's persona was not immoral and not a danger to public safety. Burck replied, "Actually, I think I am an inspiration to public safety."
Burck auditioned for American Idol during its first season, but he was not admitted to the next round. He also auditioned for the talent show Star Search, but was again turned down. As of 2006, the Naked Cowboy is part of USA Network's "Characters Welcome" campaign. The Naked Cowboy appeared briefly in the PBS documentary Origins to give his opinion on the possibility of extraterrestrial life. The Naked Cowboy is also featured singing in the 2005 video game True Crime: New York City at Times Square. There is a short animated feature of Blue M&M as the Naked Cowboy on the electronic animation display that hangs outside the M&M's store at Times Square. He is in the recording studio working on his debut album, to be released in late 2007.
In addition to his New York City appearances, Burck is a regular in the streets of the French Quarter during the New Orleans Mardi Gras season and the Riverfest Labor Day Festival in Cincinnati, Ohio. He has also made appearance in Austin, Texas during the South by Southwest Music Conference.
Burck was also in an episode of the game show Street Smarts, and featured in the music video for Cake's 2001 song "Short Skirt/Long Jacket". In addition, he is known to have discussed possible television show concepts with several production houses, including one in the Greater Cincinnati area, though nothing is known to have come of these talks yet.
Burck has started to release mobile phone ringtones.[3]
The Naked Cowboy had a cameo appearance in a Chevrolet commercial, based on a winning contest submission, which aired during Super Bowl XLI. He also had a cameo appearance in a Guinness advertisement possibly only shown in the United Kingdom. Also, the Naked Cowboy is featured in Nickelback's newest music video, "Rockstar". On July 13 2007, the Naked Cowboy went live on Justin.tv and at www.NakedCowboy.tv.
On January 2 2008, the Naked Cowboy appeared as the plaintiff in an episode of Cristina's Court.
Naked Cowboy has agreed to be a cameo in the first consumer generated Super bowl Commercial, MySuperAd. [1]
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