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Bruno Mars

Bruno Mars

The Hawaii-raised showman who turned retro soul and funk into some of pop's biggest records, from 'Nothin' on You' to 24K Magic.

MUSIC VIDEO · Bruno Mars

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The Hawaii-raised showman who turned retro soul and funk into some of pop's biggest records, from 'Nothin' on You' to 24K Magic.

MOODS · retro · funky · smooth · charismatic · danceable · romantic · soulful · polished · celebratory · confident

BIOGRAPHY

Bruno Mars, born Peter Gene Hernandez on October 8, 1985, grew up in Honolulu, where he was known as a child for impersonating Elvis Presley, before relocating to Los Angeles in 2003 to build a music career. His father's family traced to Brooklyn with Puerto Rican and Ashkenazi Jewish roots, while his mother emigrated from the Philippines; his nickname came from his father, who thought he resembled wrestler Bruno Sammartino. Mars co-founded the production team the Smeezingtons and broke through as a featured artist on B.o.B's 2009 number-one single 'Nothin' on You.' His albums Doo-Wops & Hooligans, Unorthodox Jukebox, and 24K Magic built a run of critical and commercial success, with 24K Magic winning the Grammy Award for Album of the Year. The New Yorker's Amanda Petrusich called him one of the most instinctive and enthralling showmen of his generation.

WHY THEY'RE COOL

Mars built a career on a three-octave tenor voice and a stage presence rooted in classic soul, funk, and pop showmanship. His Super Bowl XLVIII halftime show drew more viewers than the game itself, and in 2018 he swept every Grammy category he was nominated in for 24K Magic. NPR's Ann Powers called him 'the most valuable pop historian' of his era, a fitting label for an artist who turns musical history into radio-ready hits.

GEORGE'S PLAYS

First time on the station.