June’s Artist of the Month is… Bruno Mars

Born Peter Gene Hernandez on October 8, 1985, in Honolulu, Hawaii, Bruno Mars became one of the most successful pop entertainers of the 21st century through his mix of pop, funk, R&B, soul, reggae, and rock influences. Raised in a musical family, Mars began performing on stage as a child and gained early recognition in Hawaii for his Elvis Presley impersonations. After moving to Los Angeles, he initially found success as a songwriter, helping create hits for artists like Flo Rida, Travie McCoy, and CeeLo Green before launching his own solo career.

Bruno Mars exploded onto the global music scene with his 2010 debut album Doo-Wops & Hooligans, which featured massive hits like “Just the Way You Are,” “Grenade,” and “The Lazy Song.” Over the years, he became known not only for chart-topping songs, but also for his high-energy live performances, retro-inspired style, and incredible vocal range. Albums like Unorthodox Jukebox and 24K Magic earned him multiple Grammy Awards and helped establish him as one of the defining performers of modern pop music. His collaborations with artists including Mark Ronson, Lady Gaga, and ROSÉ have also become worldwide phenomena.

Beyond his music, Bruno Mars is admired for his throwback showmanship, drawing inspiration from legends such as James Brown, Prince, Michael Jackson, and Elvis Presley. He has sold out arenas and stadiums around the world, headlined the Super Bowl halftime show twice, and built a reputation as one of the most entertaining live performers in the industry. In recent years, his collaborations like “Die With a Smile” and “APT.” continued his dominance on streaming platforms and YouTube while introducing him to new generations of fans.

Beyond his music, Bruno Mars is admired for his throwback showmanship, drawing inspiration from legends such as James Brown, Prince, Michael Jackson, and Elvis Presley. He has sold out arenas and stadiums around the world, headlined the Super Bowl halftime show twice, and built a reputation as one of the most entertaining live performers in the industry. In recent years, his collaborations like “Die With a Smile” and “APT.” continued his dominance on streaming platforms and YouTube while introducing him to new generations of fans.

10 Fast Fun Facts!

• Bruno got his nickname from his dad because he resembled wrestler Bruno Sammartino.

• He performed as an Elvis impersonator when he was only four years old.

• Before becoming famous as a singer, he was a highly successful songwriter for other artists.

• Bruno can play multiple instruments including drums, guitar, bass, piano, and percussion.

• His mother was a hula dancer and singer from the Philippines.

• “Mars” was added to his stage name because he said girls told him he was “out of this world.”

• He co-founded the production team The Smeezingtons.

• Bruno Mars has performed at the Super Bowl halftime show more than once. Very rare!

• His retro fashion and music style are heavily inspired by 1970s and 1980s funk and soul.

• Despite global fame, he has said Hawaii remains one of the biggest influences on his music.