Peter Gene Hernandez (born October 8, 1985), known by his stage name Bruno Mars, is an American singer, songwriter, and music producer. Raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, in a family of musicians, Mars began creating music at a young age. After performing on various stages in his hometown during his childhood, he decided to pursue a career in music, moving to Los Angeles after graduating from high school. Mars began writing songs for other artists, joining the production team The Smeezingtons.
After a disagreement with Motown Records, Mars signed with Atlantic Records in 2009. He gained recognition as a solo artist after performing and writing the musical parts of B.o.B’s “Nothin' on You” and Travie McCoy’s “Billionaire.” He also contributed to writing hits such as Flo Rida’s “Right Round” with Kesha and K’naan’s “Wavin’ Flag.” In October 2010, he released his debut album, Doo-Wops & Hooligans. Featuring the hits “Just the Way You Are” and “Grenade,” which reached top positions worldwide, the album peaked at number three on the Billboard 200. Mars was nominated for seven Grammy Awards, including the 2011 award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance for “Just the Way You Are.”
Mars is known for embracing a variety of styles and influences, and his music incorporates elements from multiple genres. He has worked with numerous artists across different musical genres, acknowledging that these collaborations have influenced his solo career. As a child, he was inspired by artists such as Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson, whom he imitated from an early age. Mars has also cited reggae music and the Motown record label as influences on his musical style. Jon Caramanica of The New York Times described Mars as “one of the most versatile and accessible pop performers.” Globally, Mars became the best-selling digital artist of 2011, with three singles in the top ten, including the number-one hit “Just the Way You Are,” which sold 12.5 million copies. At the 2012 BRIT Awards, Bruno Mars was named International Male Solo Artist.
