Peter Gene Hernandez, more commonly known by his stage name Bruno Mars, was born on October 8th 1985 in Honolulu, Hawaii. The singer-songwriter has produced such hits as “Just the Way You Are” and “Grenade” and has been nominated for multiple awards for both. But what don’t you know about this musical talent. Here are the Top 10 facts that you might not have known about Bruno Mars.
10. The Lazy Song Music Video
One of Mars sillier songs, “The Lazy Song” has almost 400 million views on Youtube and is one of the most viewed Mars music videos.
9.He likes Ink.
Bruno sure likes his tattoos. Currently the singer-songwriter has 4: a gypsy on his left forearm, an anchor on his right forearm, his mother’s name on his right shoulder, and “Pete’s boy” on his left bicep.
8. He was born to a musical family.
Mars isn’t the only talent in his family. His mother was a singer and his father played instruments. At age 4, Bruno joined his family’s band “The Love Notes” and performed with them 5 days a week.
7. He does more than sing.
Bruno Mars is more than just a talented singer. He also plays the keyboard, bass, drums and guitar. Here’s a video of him performing “When I Was Your Man” on Ellen:
6. ‘When I was Your Man’ 5th single to hit Billboard Hot 100
Mars managed to get 5 hit singles into the number 1 spot of the Billboard Hot 100 in the span of just a little over three years. His other single “Locked out of Heaven” held the top spot as well earlier this year.
5. 31 time award winner.
Bruno has been nominated for twelve Grammy Awards in his career, and he won Best Pop Male Vocal performance for his hit single, “Just The Way You Are.” He has also won awards such as Song of the Year and Best International Artist along with many others.
4. Song Producer
After he left Hawaii for Los Angeles he cofounded a songwriting/producing team, The Smeezingtons. His singing career got put on hold when his team began producing songs for other artists such as Travie McCoy and Flo Rida.
3. Nickname inspired by wrestler
Born as Peter, we have to ask where did Bruno Mars get his stage name from? He was given the nickname “Bruno” as a child, a name inspired by the chubby wrestler Bruno Samartino, because Mars was chubby as a child.
2. Arrested for cocaine possession in Vegas
In September of 2010, Bruno was arrested for possession of cocaine. Bruno was arrested for having 2.6 grams on his person at a Vegas nightclub. He plead guilty but the charge has since been wiped from his record after completing some community service.
1. Became youngest Elvis impersonator at 4 years old.
Encouraged by his uncle who was also an Elvis impersonator, Bruno Mars began performing his Elvis impression, becoming one of the youngest Elvis impersonators.