Bruno Mars is truly a one of a kind artist. A bona fide pop star with numerous, domestic and international top charting singles, he is also a serious songwriter whose sincere lyrics, crooning voice, and charismatic, old school performance style have garnered him fans of all ages from all over the world.
Born Peter Gene Hernandez on October 8, 1985, in Honolulu, Hawaii, the little boy grew up in a very musical family. His father, Pete (senior), was a Latin percussionist from Brooklyn, and his mother, Bernadette (“Bernie”), was a singer. Mars received his nickname, “Bruno,” while he was still a baby. “The name Bruno came from baby times” older sister Jamie explained. “Bruno was always so confident, independent, really strong-willed and kind of a brute—hence the name Bruno—and it kind of just stuck.”
In Waikiki Beach, Mars’s family performed a Las Vegas-style revue that included Motown hits, doo-wop melodies and celebrity impersonations. Growing up around entertainers, Mars began picking up musical instruments from early childhood.
After graduating high school, Bruno decided to leave Hawaii for Los Angeles, California. During his first few years out west he struggled to break into the music industry. A friend introduced the young man to songwriter, Phillip Lawrence, who agreed to help Mars compose material. And by the early 2000′s, the lyricist found success by writing for several popular artists, including Flo Rida‘s hit “Right ‘Round”, Brandy’s “Long Distance”, and Travie McCoy‘s “Billionaire.” He also produced and co-wrote K’Naan’s “Wavin’ Flag” the theme song for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
After several years as a premier songwriter Bruno Mars made the leap to performer with the 2010 hit “Nothin’ on You.” The song was originally written for Atlantic Records’ rapper B.o.B. but the record label decided to enlist Mars to croon the heartfelt chorus. The track became an enormous hit, skyrocketing to # 1 on the Billboard singles chart, transforming Bruno Mars from a behind-the-scenes composer into pop star status.
Several months later, Mars released his first solo single, “Just the Way You Are,” from his debut studio album, “Doo-Wops & Hooligans” (October 2010). The song proved to be another hit on the Billboard singles AND album charts (at #3) and its follow-up releases, “Grenade” and “The Lazy Song” also cracked the Top 10. Bruno scored another hit with “It Will Rain,” a song he contributed to “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1″ soundtrack in late 2011.
Bruno Mars secured several 2012 Grammy Award nods for his debut effort – including album of the year. And though he went home empty-handed the artist gave a career-building performance during the televised ceremony with his over-the-top, energetic performance of his 1960s-influenced song “Runaway Baby” (2010) complete with James Brown style dance moves. In December 2012, Mars released his second full length, “Unorthodox Jukebox“, featuring another gamut of hit songs. The LP’s lead single, “Locked Out of Heaven,” topped the Billboard Hot 100 for six consecutive weeks, Top 10 in 20 countries, and the project’s second release, “When I Was Your Man,” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
News broke in September 2013 that Bruno Mars was chosen to be a part of much coveted Super Bowl half-time entertainment slot, putting him in the same league as such past performers Madonna, Justin Timberlake, Prince, Aerosmith, and Katy Perry. Mars’s sports arena performance made headlines around the globe.
Most recently, Mars has collaborated with noted producer, Mark Ronson, on the Morris Day and The Time inspired “Uptown Funk!” single, this week’s #1 American pop record. The duo launched their collaboration with a colorful video and a cracking performance on Saturday Night Live. And Bruno is currently preparing for his Moonshine 2014 World Tour.