It is safe to say that Barefoot Man is something of a Cayman celebrity. The popular singer and songwriter, alias George Nowak, has become one of the island’s most iconic figures, renowned among both visitors and locals for his melodic tones and energetic performances.

 But exactly how did this shoeless musician become such a beloved part of Cayman’s culture? Quite simply, he loves his job.

“I am a very mediocre singer, a so-so guitar player,” Barefoot Man says modestly. “However, I’ve been successful because I show up to work on time and I play for the audience, not myself.”

This humble approach to his art has helped Barefoot Man to maintain his passion for his occupation as well as pay the bills. After so many years playing to Cayman’s adoring crowds, and upholding his lack of foot attire, the thought of conforming to a typical office job is ghastly.

“It’s better than any nine-to-five job,” says Barefoot Man, who arrived on the island in 1971. “It would kill me to get up in the morning and see the crystal clear sea beckoning me and I’d have to put on a tie and shoes and go to work.”

Barefoot Man grew up in the Bavarian Alps, a long way from the white sands of the Caribbean. Yet, his love of the sunshine is so ingrained that he could not imagine living anywhere else. His music is inspired by the laidback lifestyle of the Cayman Islands, with such album titles as Reggae n’ Rum, Children of the Caribbean, and Loud Shirts and Coconuts. He is believed to have recorded more than 500 songs, which chronicle his love of palm trees, calypso music, and rum.

Barefoot Man’s passions, however, also extends to the islands’ new Freedom of Information Law.
“I think that the Freedom of Information Law is the greatest thing since the invention of rum,” he admits. “I love solitude, good food and beer. I hate rules and politics, though I must admit there are a few politicians who in my book are OK.”

The jovial musician has struck a chord with crowds in Cayman. His status as a local celebrity also came in hand during filming of The Firm on the island in the 1990s. Barefoot Man appears in the film and was commissioned to compose a song, Money Money Money, for the Hollywood blockbuster.
So, what does Barefoot Man envision for the future?

He recently released his latest album, Horses on the Beach, and has no plans to abandon his love of music or of performing.

“Before I die … I’d still like to live alone on an island for a year, a place where there are no rules, politicians or roundabouts,” he says.

But, for now, he’s “working hard at not working”, and hopes to finish his new book, Life on the Wrong Planet.

All in all, life is pretty good for the man without shoes.