Bruno Mars
Born 1985 · Age 40
American singer, songwriter, musician and record producer known as Bruno Mars; famed for retro showmanship, multi-genre songwriting, The Hooligans, Smeezingtons, Silk Sonic, multi-platinum albums and multiple Grammy Awards.
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Life & Career Timeline
Born in Honolulu, Hawaii
Peter Gene Hernandez (later known as Bruno Mars) is born to Pete Hernandez and Bernadette San Pedro Bayot in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Nicknamed 'Bruno' by his father
At age two his father nicknamed him 'Bruno' (after wrestler Bruno Sammartino); the name later became his stage name.
Began performing with family band (The Love Notes)
Started performing five days a week at age four with his family's Las Vegas–style revue as an Elvis impersonator.
Appeared as 'Little Elvis' in local media and Aloha Bowl halftime
Featured in Hawaiian tabloid MidWeek as 'Little Elvis' and performed in the halftime show of the 1990 Aloha Bowl.
Appeared on The Arsenio Hall Show
As a child performer, Mars appeared on The Arsenio Hall Show performing (reported at around age six).
Cameo in film Honeymoon in Vegas
Had a cameo role (billed as Bruno Hernandez) in the 1992 film Honeymoon in Vegas.
Parents divorced, family band ended
Parents divorced when Mars was 12, ending the family act The Love Notes; family experienced severe financial hardship.
Moved to Los Angeles to pursue music
Shortly after graduating high school (Theodore Roosevelt High School), Mars relocated to Los Angeles to pursue a music career.
Signed to Motown Records (contract)
Mars signed a contract with Motown Records in 2004; the deal later 'went nowhere' and he was dropped within a year.
Publishing deal with Westside Independent (mentorship)
Mars landed a music-publishing deal with producers Steve Lindsey and Cameron Strang at Westside Independent and began formal songwriting mentorship.
Formed early songwriting collaboration with Philip Lawrence
Began working closely with Philip Lawrence (later co-founder of the Smeezingtons), developing songwriting and production skills.
Introduced to Atlantic Records A&R Aaron Bay-Schuck
Philip Lawrence introduced Mars to Aaron Bay-Schuck, which initiated Atlantic's long interest in developing him as an artist.
Co-founded the Smeezingtons (songwriting/production team)
Mars, Philip Lawrence and Ari Levine began writing and producing together as the Smeezingtons, establishing Mars' industry profile.
Sold song 'Lost' to Menudo for $20,000
Mars and Lawrence sold their song 'Lost' to a reunited Menudo for $20,000 — an early revenue moment enabling further work.
Brandon Creed became manager; decision to write/produce for others
After the sale of 'Lost', Mars and Lawrence focused on writing/producing for other artists; Brandon Creed later became Mars' manager for ~9 years.
Co-wrote Flo Rida's 'Right Round' (first big hit)
Mars and collaborators co-wrote 'Right Round' (Flo Rida), giving Mars his first exposure to major chart success as a writer.
Featured on B.o.B's 'Nothin' on You' (US #1)
Mars was featured vocalist on B.o.B.'s 'Nothin' on You', which reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and boosted Mars' public profile.
Co-wrote K'naan's 'Wavin' Flag' (2010 World Cup theme association)
Contributed to K'naan's 'Wavin' Flag' (2009/2010), later associated with the 2010 FIFA World Cup and broad exposure.
Featured on Travie McCoy's 'Billionaire' (hit single)
Provided vocals on 'Billionaire' (2010), which charted in the top ten and further increased his visibility as a performer.
Released debut EP 'It's Better If You Don't Understand'
Released a four-track EP that peaked at number 99 on the US Billboard 200; included collaborations and showcased his voice.
Released lead single 'Just the Way You Are'
Lead single from debut album; reached No. 1 in the US, Australia and Canada and became Mars' first major solo chart-topper.
Released debut studio album 'Doo-Wops & Hooligans'
Debuted at No. 3 on Billboard 200, topped UK, Canada and Dutch charts; album has since sold ~15.5 million copies worldwide.
Began Doo-Wops & Hooligans Tour (headlining)
Headlined his first major tour, the Doo-Wops & Hooligans Tour (Nov 2010–Jan 2012), building a live audience and reputation.
Co-headlined Hooligans in Wondaland Tour
Co-headlined the Hooligans in Wondaland Tour (May–June 2011) with Janelle Monáe; expanded touring footprint in North America.
Won first Grammy Award (Best Male Pop Vocal Performance)
Won his first Grammy for 'Just the Way You Are' at the 2011 Grammy Awards; also had multiple nominations that year.
Signed worldwide publishing deal with BMG Chrysalis US
Signed a global publishing deal with BMG Chrysalis US, expanding his publishing and songwriting infrastructure.
Released second album 'Unorthodox Jukebox'
Album debuted at No. 2 on Billboard 200 (later reached No.1); spawned hits 'Locked Out of Heaven' and 'When I Was Your Man'; sold over 6 million copies.
Moonshine Jungle Tour launched (headlining)
Second headlining world tour ran June 2013–October 2014; showcased continued global popularity.
Announced as headliner for Super Bowl XLVIII halftime show
Announced Sept 8, 2013 as Super Bowl XLVIII halftime headliner (performed with Red Hot Chili Peppers as guests).
Performed Super Bowl XLVIII halftime show
Performed the halftime show (Feb 2014) — at the time the most-watched halftime show in history with over 115M viewers.
Featured on Mark Ronson's 'Uptown Funk' (released)
Featured on Mark Ronson's 'Uptown Funk', released Nov 10, 2014; song spent 14 weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100 and became a cultural phenomenon.
Performed at Super Bowl 50 halftime (guest with Coldplay & Beyoncé)
Appeared as a guest during Coldplay's Super Bowl 50 halftime show alongside Beyoncé (one of the most-viewed halftime shows).
Founded Gorilla Management
Began Gorilla Management in May 2016, managed by Aaron Elharar, to handle aspects of his business operations.
Released third studio album '24K Magic'
Released 24K Magic (Nov 18, 2016); album sold over 5 million copies worldwide and spawned hits including 'That's What I Like'.
24K Magic World Tour (2017–2018) — major milestone
24K Magic World Tour (2017–2018) became one of the highest-grossing tours in history, grossing more than $300 million.
CBS aired 'Bruno Mars: 24K Magic Live at the Apollo' TV special
TV special documenting the 24K Magic performances aired on CBS, increasing mainstream TV exposure.
Won multiple Grammys for 24K Magic (Album of the Year etc.)
At the 2018 Grammys Mars won Album of the Year, Record of the Year (title track), Song of the Year and multiple R&B awards for 24K Magic and 'That's What I Like'.
Worked on Chic's album 'It's About Time' (collaboration)
Reported to have worked with Nile Rodgers and Chic on their album It's About Time (2018), indicating broadened production roles.
Released 'Please Me' with Cardi B
Released duet 'Please Me' with Cardi B in February 2019; single peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Sold part of his song catalog to Warner Chappell Music
In 2020 Mars sold a portion of his song catalog and co-publishing contract to Warner Chappell Music while retaining a share.
Announced partnership with Disney for a music-themed theatrical narrative
In Feb 2020 Mars and Disney announced a partnership for a music-themed theatrical narrative in which he would star and produce.
Reported private performance fee: $3.2M
Reportedly paid $3.2 million to perform at a private wedding (Cape Cod) in 2021, reflecting lucrative private appearance fees.
Formed Silk Sonic with Anderson .Paak
Mars and Anderson .Paak announced their collaboration as the superduo Silk Sonic; began releasing singles and an album.
Released 'An Evening with Silk Sonic' (Silk Sonic debut album)
Silk Sonic's debut album released Nov 12, 2021; debuted at No. 2 on Billboard 200 and included US No.1 'Leave the Door Open'.
Silk Sonic wins multiple Grammys for 'Leave the Door Open'
At the 2022 Grammys Silk Sonic won Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best R&B Performance and Best R&B Song for 'Leave the Door Open'.
Silk Sonic began 'An Evening with Silk Sonic' residency at Park MGM
Silk Sonic launched a concert residency at Park MGM in early 2022, extending Mars' Las Vegas presence.
Continued world tour and residency; 37 shows in 2023 grossed $66.3M
Mars continued his Park MGM residency while a world tour ran in 2023; 37 shows reported in 2023 grossed $66.3M.
Released duet 'Die with a Smile' with Lady Gaga
Released Aug 16, 2024; the duet reached No. 1 on the Billboard Global 200 and topped multiple national charts.
Released duet 'Apt.' with Rosé (lead single on Rosé's debut)
Released Oct 2024; 'Apt.' became another No. 1 on the Billboard Global 200 and topped charts in several countries; huge streaming success.
Appeared on magazine covers; reported album & tour planned for 2025
Appeared on covers of Hits and Las Vegas Magazine; publisher reported expected album and tour in 2025.
Personal relationship update (Jessica Caban)
Mars had been in a long-term relationship with Jessica Caban since 2011; reports in Jan 2025 suggested they had split (Caban removed photos and commented publicly).
Career tallies and industry recognitions (cumulative milestone)
By 2025 Mars has sold over 150 million records worldwide, scored nine Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 singles, accumulated 16 Grammys and multiple major awards and Guinness World Records.
Reported total monthly Spotify listeners milestone (historical achievement)
Mars was reported as the first artist to surpass 150 million monthly listeners on Spotify (historic streaming milestone mentioned in sources).
Released 'Fat Juicy & Wet' with Sexyy Red
Released Jan 24, 2025 as a collaboration single with Sexyy Red.
Won Grammy for 'Die with a Smile' (Best Pop Duo/Group Performance)
At the 67th Grammy Awards (2025), 'Die with a Smile' won Best Pop Duo/Group Performance and was nominated for Song of the Year.
Announced as Fortnite Festival featured artist for Season 9
In June 2025 it was announced Mars would appear as the featured artist for the Fortnite Festival Season 9; a single 'Bonde do Brunão' was released to commemorate it.
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