Feature Photo: Brothers Le, CC BY 2.0
Bruno Mars has redefined what it means to be a modern entertainer, blending infectious charisma with extraordinary musical talent. Born Peter Gene Hernandez on October 8, 1985, in Honolulu, Hawaii, Mars grew up in a family of performers, immersing himself in the sounds of rock and roll, Motown, reggae, and doo-wop. His early exposure to the stage came through family shows in Waikiki, where his Elvis Presley impersonation hinted at the showmanship that would later captivate audiences worldwide. His journey to stardom began in earnest when he moved to Los Angeles at 17, determined to break into the music industry.
Mars initially found success behind the scenes as a songwriter and producer, crafting hits for artists like Flo Rida, K’naan, and B.o.B. alongside his production team, The Smeezingtons. His breakout moment as a performer came with his feature on B.o.B’s “Nothin’ on You” and Travie McCoy’s “Billionaire” in 2010, both of which became massive hits. Later that year, he released his debut album, Doo-Wops & Hooligans, a vibrant collection of pop, reggae, and soul that introduced the world to his effortless falsetto and impeccable sense of melody. The album spawned global hits like “Just the Way You Are,” “Grenade,” and “The Lazy Song,” establishing him as a star in his own right.
Since his debut, Mars has released three additional studio albums: Unorthodox Jukebox (2012), 24K Magic (2016), and An Evening with Silk Sonic (2021), the latter in collaboration with Anderson .Paak. Each album showcases Mars’s ability to explore new sounds while maintaining his distinctive style. Unorthodox Jukebox delved into funk, rock, and R&B, producing chart-topping singles like “Locked Out of Heaven” and “When I Was Your Man.” With 24K Magic, Mars paid homage to the funk and R&B of the 1980s and ’90s, delivering hits like “That’s What I Like” and the title track. His work with Silk Sonic further highlighted his versatility, as the duo’s retro-inspired sound earned them widespread critical acclaim and several awards.
Mars’s ability to dominate the charts is unparalleled. His singles have repeatedly topped the Billboard Hot 100, with hits like “Uptown Funk,” a collaboration with Mark Ronson, becoming one of the most successful songs of all time. The track won multiple Grammy Awards and has been certified 11x platinum in the United States. Mars has achieved seven number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100 and numerous other chart-topping hits worldwide. His songwriting and production talents have also extended to other artists, cementing his influence across the industry.
With over 15 Grammy Awards, 4 Brit Awards, and an Emmy to his name, Mars has received nearly every accolade the music industry has to offer. In 2018, he made history at the Grammy Awards by sweeping six categories, including Album of the Year for 24K Magic. His live performances are equally celebrated, as Mars has headlined multiple world tours and electrified audiences at events like the Super Bowl Halftime Show, which he headlined in 2014 and returned to as a special guest in 2016.
Mars’s appeal lies in his ability to connect with audiences through his music and magnetic performances. His stage presence is often compared to legends like Michael Jackson and Prince, and his meticulous attention to detail ensures every performance is unforgettable. Beyond his artistry, Mars has used his platform to give back, supporting numerous charities and causes, including disaster relief efforts in his native Hawaii.
Bruno Mars’s career is a testament to the enduring power of talent, hard work, and a deep respect for music’s past. By blending timeless influences with contemporary flair, he has become one of the defining artists of his generation, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry.
(# – L)
“777” – An Evening with Silk Sonic (2021)
“6 AM” – Can’t Knock The Hustle (2009)
“24K Magic” – 24K Magic (2016)
“3D” – Animal (2009)
“After Last Night” – An Evening with Silk Sonic (2021)
“Apt.” – Rosie (2024)
“Available” – R.O.O.T.S. (2009)
“Bang Bang” – Troubadour (2009)
“Billionaire” – Lazarus (2010)
“Blast Off” – An Evening with Silk Sonic (2021)
“Bubble Butt” – Free the Universe (2013)
“Blow” – No.6 Collaborations Project (2019)
“Calling All My Lovelies” – 24K Magic (2016)
“Can’t Come Back to Me” – Mo Thug Boss (2012)
“Chunky” – 24K Magic (2016)
“Count On Me” – Doo-Wops & Hooligans (2010)
“Die With a Smile” – Non-album single (2024)
“Feel Right” – Uptown Special (2014)
“Finesse” – 24K Magic (2016)
“Fly as Me” – An Evening with Silk Sonic (2021)
“Forever Valentine” – Non-album single (2020)
“Gorilla” – Unorthodox Jukebox (2012)
“Grenade” – Doo-Wops & Hooligans (2010)
“Her World Goes On” – Non-album single (2010)
“If I Knew” – Unorthodox Jukebox (2012)
“It Will Rain” – The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1 (2011)
“Just the Way You Are” – Doo-Wops & Hooligans (2010)
“Leave the Door Open” – An Evening with Silk Sonic (2021)
“Lighters” – Hell: The Sequel (2011)
“Liquor Store Blues” – Doo-Wops & Hooligans (2010)
“Locked Out of Heaven” – Unorthodox Jukebox (2012)
“Love” – Glory (2010)
“Love’s Train” – An Evening with Silk Sonic (2022)
(M – T)
(U – Z)
“The Other Side” – Doo-Wops & Hooligans (2010)
“The Scenic Route” – Grand Theft Auto Online: The Contract (2021)
“This Is My Love” – Non-album single (2012)
“Too Good to Say Goodbye” – 24K Magic (2016)
“Treasure” – Unorthodox Jukebox (2012)
“Uptown Funk” – Uptown Special (2014)
“Versace on the Floor” – 24K Magic (2016)
“Wait for You” – Sweet 7 (2010)
“Walls Come Down” – Awaken Reloaded (2011)
“Wake Up in the Sky” – Evil Genius (2018)
“Watching Her Move” – Non-album single (2009)
“Wavin’ Flag” – Troubadour (2009)
“Welcome Back” – Rio 2 (2014)
“We’ll Be Alright” – Lazarus (2010)
“When I Was Your Man” – Unorthodox Jukebox (2012)
“Young Girls” – Unorthodox Jukebox (2012)
“Young, Wild & Free” – Mac & Devin Go to High School (2011)
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Complete List Of Bruno Mars Songs From A – Z article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2024
