Bruno Mars, born Peter Gene Hernandez on October 8, 1985, in Honolulu, Hawaii, is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, multi-instrumentalist, and performer known for his wide-ranging musical versatility, retro showmanship, and chart-topping hits. His music blends pop, R&B, funk, soul, reggae, and rock, often infused with 70s and 80s influences.
Early Life and Influences
Bruno was raised in a musical family. His father, Peter Hernandez, was of Puerto Rican and Ashkenazi Jewish descent, and his mother, Bernadette San Pedro Bayot, was a Filipina singer and dancer. From a young age, he was performing in his family’s band and gained early fame impersonating Elvis Presley. He adopted the stage name “Bruno Mars” — “Bruno” from a childhood nickname, and “Mars” to avoid being stereotyped in the music industry.
After graduating from high school, Mars moved to Los Angeles to pursue a music career. Initially, he faced rejection as a solo artist, but he soon made a name for himself as a songwriter and producer, co-writing hits like “Right Round” for Flo Rida and “Wavin’ Flag” for K’naan.
Breakthrough and Stardom
His big break as a performer came in 2010 when he featured on B.o.B’s “Nothin’ on You” and Travie McCoy’s “Billionaire”. That same year, he released his debut album, “Doo-Wops & Hooligans”, which produced global hits like “Just the Way You Are,” “Grenade,” and “The Lazy Song”. The album was a commercial success and marked the beginning of Mars’ ascent in pop music.
Continued Success
Mars followed up with “Unorthodox Jukebox” (2012), which included hits like “Locked Out of Heaven,” “When I Was Your Man,” and “Treasure.” The album topped charts globally and won the Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Album.
In 2016, he released “24K Magic”, a funk-infused record that won seven Grammy Awards in 2018, including Album of the Year, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year for “That’s What I Like.” The title track and “Finesse” (remixed with Cardi B) became major hits.
Silk Sonic and Recent Work
In 2021, Bruno Mars formed the duo Silk Sonic with Anderson .Paak. Their debut album, “An Evening with Silk Sonic”, received widespread acclaim, with the lead single “Leave the Door Open” winning four Grammy Awards in 2022, including Record and Song of the Year.
As of 2025, Mars continues to perform and collaborate across genres. His electrifying live shows, smooth vocals, and throwback style make him one of the most celebrated entertainers in modern pop.
Awards and Recognition
Bruno Mars has won:
• 16 Grammy Awards
• 11 American Music Awards
• 14 Soul Train Awards
• 4 Brit Awards
• 6 Billboard Music Awards
• Numerous MTV, iHeartRadio, and People’s Choice Awards
He also holds several Guinness World Records and has been praised for reviving funk and soul in mainstream music.
Personal Life
Mars is known for keeping his personal life relatively private. He has been in a long-term relationship with model and actress Jessica Caban since 2011. Outside of music, he supports several philanthropic causes and is involved in disaster relief efforts, particularly in Hawaii and Puerto Rico.
