Bruno Mars

Peter Gene Hernandez(born October 8, 1985), known professionally asBruno Mars, is an American singer-songwriter, musician, and record producer. He is known for his stage performances,retroshowmanship, and for singing in a wide range of musical styles, includingpop,R&B,funk,soul,reggae, androck. Mars is accompanied by his band,the Hooligans, whose members are also backup singers and dancers. In 2021, Mars and fellow singerAnderson .Paakformed themusical superduoSilk Sonic.
Mars moved to Los Angeles in 2003 to pursue a musical career. Following a brief contract withMotownRecords, he established his name in the music industry as a songwriter and co-founder of the production teamthe Smeezingtons. He rose to fame as a recording artist following his guest performances on the singles "Nothin' on You" (2009) byB.o.Band "Billionaire" (2010) byTravie McCoy, which peaked at numbers one and four on theBillboardHot 100, respectively. His pop-influenced debut studio album,Doo-Wops & Hooligans(2010), was supported by three number-one singles: "Just the Way You Are", "Grenade", and "The Lazy Song". His second album,Unorthodox Jukebox(2012), explored various genres and spawned two U.S. number one singles: "Locked Out of Heaven" and "When I Was Your Man".
In 2014, Mars guest appeared onMark Ronson's "Uptown Funk", which spent of seven weeks atop the UK Singles Chart and fourteen weeks atop theBillboardHot 100. Mars's third album, the R&B-focused24K Magic(2016), won seven Grammy Awards, including ofAlbum of the Year, Record of the Year, andSong of the Year. The album produced the U.S. number one single "That's What I Like" and the similarly successful "24K Magic" and "Finesse" (remixed featuringCardi B).Silk Sonic's soul and 1970s R&B-inspired album,An Evening with Silk Sonic(2021), contained theBillboardHot 100number-one single "Leave the Door Open" which received four Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year. His 2024 duets "Die with a Smile" (withLady Gaga) and "Apt." (withRosé) both became chart-topping singles.
Mars has sold over 130 million records worldwide, making him one of thebest-selling music artists of all time. Eight of his songs have reached number one on theBillboardHot 100 and his concert tours are some of the highest-grossing in history. He is the recipient of 16Grammy Awards(including three Record of the Year wins), fourBrit Awards, elevenAmerican Music Awards, 13Soul Train Awardsand holds threeGuinness World Records, amongother accolades. He featured onMusic Week's best songwriters (2011) andBillboard's Greatest of All Time Artists (2019) lists and rankings such as theTime100andForbesCelebrity 100. Mars became the first artist to receive sixdiamond-certifiedsongs in the United States and has been regarded as a pop icon due to his influential career.
Peter Gene Hernandez was born on October 8, 1985, inHonolulu, Hawaii, to Peter Hernandez and Bernadette San Pedro Bayot growing up in theWaikikineighborhood of Honolulu.His father hasPuerto RicanandJewishheritage, and is originally fromBrooklyn, New York. Mars has stated that his Jewish ancestors were fromHungaryandUkraine.His mother emigrated from thePhilippinesto Hawaii, and was ofFilipinoand some Spanish ancestry.His parents met while performing in a show in which his mother was ahuladancer and his father played percussion.At the age of two, he was nicknamed "Bruno" by his father because of his resemblance to professional wrestlerBruno Sammartino.
Mars is one of six children and came from a musical family which exposed him to a diverse mix of music genres, including first and foremostrock and roll, and laterreggae,hip hop, andrhythm and blues.His mother was both a singer and a dancer, and his father performedLittle Richard's music, which inspired him as a young child.His uncle was anElvis Presley impersonator, and also encouraged three-year-old Mars to perform songs on stage by Presley andMichael Jackson.At the age of four, Mars began performing five days a week with his family's band, The Love Notes, and became known in Hawaii for his impersonation ofElvis Presley.When he was five he urinated on himself during a performance of Presley's "Can't Help Falling in Love" (1961), which led his parents to think they could be making a mistake. However, Mars never wavered.In 1990, Mars was featured in the Hawaiian tabloid shopperMidWeekas "Little Elvis" and performed in the halftime show of the1990 Aloha Bowl.
In 1992, he appeared in a cameo role in the filmHoneymoon in Vegasand was interviewed byPauly Shoreon MTV. When Mars was six years old, he was featured onThe Arsenio Hall Showand throughout grade school, he performed with his family's band, two shows a night, coveringFrankie LymonandLittle Anthony. When he was a child he had a small version of a drum set, guitar, piano, and some percussion and learned to play the instruments. When Mars was 12, his parents divorced, ending The Love Notes act. His father's various businesses which ranged from temporary-tattoo parlors to memorabilia shops, failed. As a result, there was no longer a steady source of income. He moved out of his parents' house along with his brother and father. They lived in the "slums of Hawaii", on the back of a car, on rooftops, and in an abandoned bird zoo, Paradise Park, where his father worked before it closed.Mars transferred to another school and was bullied initially, but he became popular in the last days of school.
The time Mars spent impersonating Presley had a major impact on his musical evolution and performing techniques.He later began playing guitar after being inspired by American rock guitaristJimi Hendrix.In 2010, he also acknowledged his Hawaiian roots and musical family as an influence, explaining: "Growing up in Hawaii made me the man I am. I used to do a lot of shows in Hawaii with my father's band. Everybody in my family sings, everyone plays instruments ... I've just been surrounded by it."When he attendedPresident Theodore Roosevelt High Schoolin Honolulu he sang in a group called The School Boys, who did several shows including opening for his father's new band, performing songs bythe Isley Brothersandthe Temptations.The singer, while in high school, became well known in Hawaiian entertainment, becoming the opening gig for a huge magic show and impersonating Michael Jackson in a celebrity-impersonators show, making $75 per performance.
After his sister who lived in Los Angeles played his demo for Mike Lynn (the head ofA&RatDr. Dre'sAftermath Entertainmentrecord label), Lynn summoned Mars to Los Angeles.In 2003, shortly after graduating from high school at the age of 17, Mars moved to Los Angeles to pursue a musical career.At the time, he lived on Mansfield Avenue and was surprised by the poverty and squalor of the neighborhood.He adopted his stage name from the childhood nickname his father gave him, adding "Mars" at the end because: "I felt like I didn't have no pizzazz, and a lot of girls say I'm out of this world, so I was like I guess I'm fromMars."Moreover, the adoption of his stage name was also an effort to "avoid being stereotyped", as themusic industrytried to pigeonhole him as anotherLatinartist. They even tried to convince Mars to sing in Spanish.
Shortly after moving to Los Angeles, Mars signed a record contract withMotownRecords in 2004, but the deal "went nowhere", leading him to have a conversation withwill.i.am's management, which also turned out to be fruitless.However, the singer's experience with Motown proved to be beneficial to his career. American songwriter and record producerPhilip Lawrencewas also signed to the label.After Mars was dropped by the label less than a year after being signed, he stayed in Los Angeles and landed a music publishing deal in 2005 with American record producersSteve Lindseyand Cameron Strang at Westside Independent.
Lindsey showed Mars and fellow songwritersBrody BrownandJeff Bhasker(who Mars met through Mike Lynn) the ins and outs of writing pop music and acted as a mentor, helping them to hone their craft.Bhasker explained that Lindsey would "mentor us, and kind of give us lectures as to what a hit pop song is, because you can have talent and music ability, but understanding what makes a hit pop song is a whole other discipline." Lindsey confessed he "held Mars back for five years while they learned an extensive catalog of hit music."In a different interview, Brown corroborated the former story.During this time, Mars playedcover songsaround Los Angeles in a band called Sex Panther, with Bhasker and Eric Hernandez (the former's brother), who eventually became the drummer of The Hooligans.
When Lawrence was first told he should meet Mars he was reluctant to do so since he did not even have money for bus fare.Keith Harris, the drummer for the American musical groupThe Black Eyed Peas, told Lawrence: "Whatever it costs you to get out here, I'll reimburse you." Lawrence responded: "Just give me five dollars back for the bus."The pair began collaborating, writing songs for Mars, but they received many rejections from record labels. In 2006, Lawrence introduced Mars to his future A&R manager atAtlantic Records,Aaron Bay-Schuck.After hearing him play a couple of songs on the guitar Bay-Schuck wanted to sign him immediately. However, it took roughly three years for Atlantic Records to finally sign Mars, because they felt it was too early and that he still needed to develop as an artist.
In 2008, on the verge of giving up, they received a call from Brandon Creed, who was looking for songs for a reunitedMenudo. He liked their song "Lost", which was written for Mars. The duo did not want to give the song away, but when they were offered $20,000 for it, they agreed. The sale of this song allowed them to continue working,and Mars and Lawrence decided that they would write and produce songs together for other artists.Eventually Creed became the former's manager for nine years.
Before becoming a successful solo artist, Mars was an acknowledged music producer, writing songs forAlexandra Burke,Adam Levine,Brandy,Sean Kingston, andK'naan.Mars stated that the first "big hit" he and Lawrence wrote was the 2009 single "Right Round" byFlo Rida: "That was our first taste of what could really happen with a hit we hundred-percented".He also co-wrote theSugababes's "Get Sexy" (2009) and provided backing vocals on their albumSweet 7(2010).In 2009, he was featured as a singer onFar East Movement's second studio album,Animal, on the track "3D".In the same year, he was also featured on American pastor and hip hop artistJaeson Ma's debut single "Love" and on American rapperTravie McCoy's "One at a Time", acharity singleforMTV's Staying Alive foundation.He reached prominence as a solo artist after being featured on, and composing (as part of the production groupthe Smeezingtons) American rapperB.o.B's "Nothin' on You" (2009) and McCoy's "Billionaire" (2010); both songs peaked within the top ten of various music charts, with the former charting at number one on both the United StatesBillboardHot 100and theUK Singles Chart.
Mars said of these successful singles: "I think those songs weren't meant to be full-sung songs. If I'd sung all of 'Nothin' on You', it might've sounded like some'90s R&B."On May 11, 2010, Mars released his debutextended play(EP),It's Better If You Don't Understand.It peaked at number 99 on the USBillboard200and a music video was released for the song "The Other Side" featuring American singerCeeLo Greenand B.o.B.Mars, with the Smeezingtons, also composed Green's successful single "Fuck You" (2010).
On July 20, 2010, Mars released "Just the Way You Are" as thelead singlefrom his debut studio album,Doo-Wops & Hooligans(2010), an album produced mainly by the Smeezingtons.The song topped the charts in various countries, including Australia, Canada and the U.S.The album, released on October 5, 2010, debuted at number three on theBillboard200 and number one in the UK.It also charted at number one in the Netherlands and Canada.Doo-Wops & Hooliganshas since sold 15.5 million copies worldwide.It spawned two other singles, "Grenade", which topped theBillboardHot 100, New Zealand, the UK, as well as multiple other charts, and "The Lazy Song", which peaked at number four on theBillboardHot 100 and reached the top spot in the UK and Denmark.
Other singles include "Talking to the Moon", exclusively released in Brazil and toppedBillboardBrasil'sHot Pop SongsandHot 100 Airplay."Marry You", only released to international markets, entering the top ten of various countries,and "Count On Me", which served as the final single in Australia.Mars released "It Will Rain" forThe Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1film soundtrack(2011).The single reached number three in the U.S. and number two in New Zealand.During this period, Mars featured on "Lighters" with American hip hop duoBad Meets Evil, "Mirror" with American rapperLil Wayne, and "Young, Wild & Free" with American rappersWiz KhalifaandSnoop Dogg. The songs peaked at number four, sixteen, and seven in the U.S. and reached the top-20 of various countries.
Mars started to promote his debut album as the opening act for American bandsMaroon 5andOneRepublicon the fall leg of the former act'sPalm Trees & Power Lines Tour. Later, on October 18, 2010, the singer began a co-headlined European concert tour with McCoy that lasted until early November.Doo-Wops & Hooligansreceived further promotion when the singer embarked on his first headlined concert tour,The Doo-Wops & Hooligans Tour, which ran from November 2010 to January 2012.Nevertheless, in February 2011, a joint co-headlining tour between Mars andJanelle Monáewas announced, dubbedHooligans in Wondaland Tour(2011). The concert tour was performed in North America in May and June 2011.Mars turned down offers to open for notable artists on arena tours, opting instead to play at smaller venues such as theaters and ballrooms. This made the tour less lucrative, but helped him build his fan base.
At the2011 Grammy Awards, Mars won his firstGrammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performancefor "Just the Way You Are" and received other six nominations for his work:Best Rap Song,Best Rap/Sung CollaborationandRecord of the Yearfor "Nothin' on You"; the latter category along withSong of the Yearfor "Fuck You" by CeeLo Green, andProducer of the Year, Non-Classicalas part of the Smeezingtons.At the2012 Grammy Awards, Mars lost all the six categories in which he was nominated to British singerAdele. The categories includedAlbum of the YearandBest Pop Vocal AlbumforDoo-Wops & Hooligans,Best Pop Solo Performance, Record and Song of the Year for "Grenade", while Producer of the Year, Non-Classical as the Smeezingtons was lost to English producerPaul Epworth.During that time, Mars also won his firstAmerican Music Award for Favorite Pop/Rock Male Artist,International Male Solo Artist at the Brit Awardsand the Echo Award for Best International Male.
In March 2012, Mars signed a worldwide publishing deal with BMG Chrysalis US.In September 2012, when interviewed byBillboardmagazine, Mars stated that his next album would be more musically varied, adding: "I want to have the freedom and luxury to walk into a studio and say, 'Today I want to do a hip-hop, R&B,soulor rock record'". He announcedUnorthodox Jukeboxrelease date, December 11, 2012.The album debuted at number two on theBillboard200, eventually peaking at number one on the chart.It also charted at number one in Australia, Canada, and in the UK, where it became the third fastest-selling album by a solo artist in 2012.The album has since sold over six million copies worldwide.
"Locked out of Heaven" was released in October 2012, and preceded the release ofUnorthodox Jukebox, an album produced mainly by the Smeezingtons.The song topped the U.S. and Canada charts, peaking at number two on the UK.It also charted within the top ten in various countries.Other singles released from the album include "When I Was Your Man", "Treasure", "Gorilla" and "Young Girls". "When I Was Your Man" reached number oneBillboardHot 100, aside from Elvis Presley, no other male artist has achieved five number-one singles quicker than Mars.It also peaked at number three in Canada, number two in the UK, and was top-ten in various countries."Treasure" reached number five on theBillboardHot 100 and number four in Canada, but had less commercial success in other countries.Mars contributed vocals to Jamaican-AmericanEDMtrioMajor Lazer's "Bubble Butt", released in May 2013. The single also features American rappersTyga,2 Chainz, and singerMystic.
Mars ran his second headlining concert tour, theMoonshine Jungle Tour, from June 2013 to October 2014. He also announced aconcert residencytitledBruno Mars at The Chelsea, Las Vegas,Paradise, Nevada.The tour grossed $156.4 million.On September 8, 2013, Mars was disclosed as the headline performer at theSuper Bowl XLVIII halftime show, which took place on February 2, 2014, with American rock bandRed Hot Chili Peppersas special guests.It was the first Super Bowl halftime headlined by a performer under 30 in a decade.It was the most watched halftime show in the history of the Super Bowl at that time, drawing a rating of 115.3 million viewers. The viewership for the halftime show was higher than that for the game.
At the2014 Grammy Awards, Mars won the award for Best Pop Vocal Album forUnorthodox Jukebox. "Locked Out of Heaven" earned nominations for Record and Song of the Year, while "When I Was Your Man" was nominated for Best Pop Solo Performance.In the same year, the album was recognized with aJuno Award for International Album of the Year.Aside from his music career, Mars cast as Roberto in the movieRio 2(2014).He also contributed to the film'ssoundtrackwith the song "Welcome Back".On November 10, 2014, British musicianMark Ronsonreleased "Uptown Funk", featuring Mars.The song was a major commercial success, reaching number one in several countries, including Australia, Canada and New Zealand."Uptown Funk" spent a total of fourteen and seven weeks atop theBillboardHot 100 and the UK Singles Chart, respectively.The song became a worldwide phenomenon with a major impact onpop culture.
In September 2014, Mars began working on his third studio album, affirming, "Now it's time to start writing chapter 3". He had not come up with a date for the release, stating: "Until it's done ... It's gotta be just as good if not better".At the2016 Grammy Awards"Uptown Funk" won Ronson and Mars aGrammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performanceand Record of the Year.On February 7, 2016, British bandColdplayheadlined theSuper Bowl 50 halftime showwith Mars and American singerBeyoncéas guest acts, marking their second appearance on the Super Bowl halftime.It became one of the most watched halftime shows in Super Bowl history.
The album was set to be issued in March but was postponed several months due to Mars's appearance at the Super Bowl halftime show. At that time, seven songs had already been recorded.They were composed mainly by Shampoo Press & Curl, a production team consisting of Mars, Lawrence, and Brown, which replaced the Smeezingtons.In May 2016, the singer split with his manager and started his own management company, Gorilla Management, operated by Aaron Elharar.At the2017 Grammy Awards, his work (as part of the Smeezingtons) on Adele's "All I Ask", a track from her third studio album,25(2015), brought him a Grammy Award for Album of the Year.In 2017,Guinness World Recordsrecognized Mars as the "First Male Artist to achieve three 10-million-selling-singles".
In October 2016, "24K Magic" was released as the lead single of24K Magic.It peaked at number four in the U.S. and reached the top in France and New Zealand.The album, issued on November 18, 2016, debuted at number two in Canada, France, New Zealand, and the U.S.It has since sold over five million copies globally.Four more singles were released throughout 2017 and 2018: "That's What I Like", "Versace on the Floor", "Chunky", exclusively released in Australia, and a remix of "Finesse" featuring American rapperCardi B."That's What I Like" was the album's highest-charting single on theBillboardHot 100, peaking at number one, while "Finesse" reached the top-three.Both singles reached number three in Canada, number four and two in New Zealand, respectively.All appeared onBillboard'sHot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, with "That's What I Like" and "Finesse" reaching number one.
In late 2016, the singer started his second concert residency titledBruno Mars at Park MGM.He also announced his third headlining concert tour,24K Magic World Tour(2017–18), which grossed more than $300 million worldwide.On November 29, 2017, CBS aired Mars's first TV concert special,Bruno Mars: 24K Magic Live at the Apollo.He received seven awards at the2017 American Music Awards, includingArtist of the Year, two for "That's What I Like" and other two for24K Magic.He also wonAlbum/Mixtape of the Yearat the2017 Soul Train Music Awards, in addition to four other awards.At the2018 Grammy Awards, Mars won in the six categories for which he was nominated: Album of the Year andBest R&B Albumfor24K Magic, Record of the Year for the title track and Song of The Year,Best R&B PerformanceandBest R&B Songfor "That's What I Like".24K Magicalso won aGrammy Award for Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical, for the work of the album's engineers.
Mars worked onChic's studio albumIt's About Time(2018), with the song expected to be featured on Chic's next studio album, according to musicianNile Rodgers.In early 2018, Mars worked with recording engineerCharles Moniz, as well as songwriting and recording production teamthe Stereotypes.In September 2018, Mars and American rappersGucci ManeandKodak Blackreleased "Wake Up in the Sky" for Mane's thirteenth studio album,Evil Genius(2018).It reached number 11 in the US.In February 2019, Cardi B and Mars released "Please Me".The single peaked at number three on theBillboardHot 100.It also reached the top-20 of Canada, New Zealand and the UK.Five months later, British singer-songwriterEd Sheeran, American singer-songwriterChris Stapleton, and Mars collaborated on "Blow", for the former's fourth studio album,No.6 Collaborations Project(2019).In October 2019, Mars posted a picture of himself in a recording studio, indicating new music.
In February 2020, it was announced a partnership between Mars and Disney for a "music-themed theatrical narrative", in which the singer will both star and produce the movie.A month later, it was confirmed that Mars was working on his next album with American musicianBabyface.While on quarantine, the singer wrote music every day for his upcoming album.In the same year, Mars sold part of his song catalog toWarner Chappell Music, keeping a small share. In exchange for its payment, Warner Chappell Music will collect future income from the songs. Mars's co-publishing contract with BMG was also a part of the deal.In 2021, Mars was reportedly paid $3.2 million to perform at a private show inCape Cod,Massachusetts. The performance was delivered to Motorola CEO son's wedding.
On February 26, 2021, Mars and American rapperAnderson .Paakannounced they have recorded an album together under the band nameSilk Sonic.Their debut album,An Evening with Silk Sonic, released on November 12, 2021, features American musicianBootsy Collinsas a special guest host.It was mainly produced by Mars and American record producer and songwriterD'Mile.The album debuted at number two on theBillboard200 and entered at the top-five in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand."Leave the Door Open", "Skate, "Smokin out the Window", a cover version ofCon Funk Shun's "Love's Train" and "After Last Night" featuringThundercatand Collins were released as singles."Leave the Door Open" peaked at number one on theBillboardHot 100 and in New Zealand."Smokin out the Window" peaked at number five on theBillboardHot 100 and number four in New Zealand.All the singles, but "Skate", topped theBillboardAdult R&B Songs, which led the album to become the second with four number-one singles on the aforementioned chart, tying withToni Braxton'sself-titled studio album(1993).
In early 2022, Silk Sonic started their debut concert residency titledAn Evening with Silk Sonic at Park MGM.The duo wonBest Groupat theBET Awards 2021,International Group of the Yearat the2022 Brit AwardsandOutstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration, Traditionalat the53rd NAACP Image Awards.They received three awards at the2021 Soul Train Music Awards, including Song of the Year for "Leave the Door Open".At the2022 Grammy Awards, Silk Sonic won Record of the Year, Song of The Year, Best R&B Performance and Best R&B Song for the latter song.At theBET Awards 2022Silk Sonic wonAlbum of the Yearfor their debut album andVideo of the Year. The same music video also wonVideo of the Yearat the2022 Soul Train Music Awards.
In 2022, Mars continued his second concert residencyBruno Mars at Park MGMand embarked ona world tour, starting with shows in Sydney and Tokyo.The shows continued in 2023, in several countries such as South Korea, Philippines, Brazil, Chile, Georgia, Qatar and Israel.In 2024, the tour spawned shows in Tokyo, Bangkok, Singapore and concluded with a 14-show leg in Brazil.
In February 2023, Brody Brown revealed that he and Mars were working on the latter's next studio album.During that year, Mars also worked withPhilip Lawrence, American singer-songwriterJames FauntleroyandD'Mile.In May 2023, a music insider revealed the album was close to completion, with a new sound and an unconfirmed release date. Mars is planning a new aesthetic to go with it and is in early talks withLive Nation Entertainmentto set up a tour throughout 2024 and 2025, with "large-scale, three-dimensional" performances.In early 2025,Andrew Wattand Wyatt revealed they worked on a song with Mars.D'Mile also said he keeps working on Mars's next album.
On August 16, 2024, Mars andLady Gagareleased their collaborative single "Die with a Smile".The song became his first number one on theBillboardGlobal 200,and reached number one in the US.The song reached the top spot of several countries, including Canada, the Netherlands, New Zealand and Switzerland.It wonBest Pop Duo/Group Performanceat the2025 Grammy Awardsand received nomination forSong of the Year.A month later, Mars and New Zealand–South Korean singerRoséreleased their collaboration single "Apt.", the lead single of Rosé's debut album,Rosie(2024).The song became his second number one on theBillboardGlobal 200,reached the top spot in Australia and New Zealand.In November, both songs became the top-streamed songs in the world, and continue to be at the top well into January 2025.On January 24, 2025, Mars andSexyy Redreleased "Fat Juicy & Wet".
In December 2024, Mars was featured on the cover of bothHitsandLas Vegas Magazine. According to the former publisher, he is expected to release a new album and tour in 2025.Ken Miller ofLas Vegas Magazineaffirms that Mars has been working on the new album since early 2023.
Mars was raised on his father's 1950sdoo-wopcollection–"simple four-chord songs that got straight to the point"–and on Little Richard, Frankie Lymon,Little Anthony, andJerry Lee Lewis.As a child, Mars spent time impersonatingElvis Presley. The playacting had a major impact on his musical evolution; he reflected:
He also impersonated Michael Jackson, another major inspiration.The hip-hop productions byThe NeptunesandTimbaland, that were played on the radio, also influenced him.
Mars's musical style gravitated initially towardsR&B. He was influenced by artists such asKeith Sweat,Jodeci, andR. Kelly.As a child he also took notice ofJimmy Jam and Terry Lewis,New Edition,Bobby Brown,Boyz II Men,Teddy Riley, andBabyface.At the same time, he also listened to 1950srock 'n' roll,doo-wopmusic, andMotown.In high school, he listened to classic rock groups such asLed Zeppelin, andThe Beatles, whose influences can be heard in his work,as well as singers with high voices, likeStevie WonderandFreddie Mercury.Bob Marley, and local bands in Hawaii, were a major influence and account for his reggae roots.Hip-hop acts likeJay-Z,The Roots, andCody Chesnuttwere among some of his favorites, and have influenced his compositions.Each of these musical genres has influenced the singer's musical style; he observed: "It's not easy to [create] songs with that mixture of rock and soul and hip-hop, and there's only a handful of them."Mars also admires classical music.
Other artists Mars has said inspired his work includeJanet Jackson,Jimi Hendrix,Amy Winehouse,Sly Stone,Carlos Santana,George Clinton, andUsher.Mars has also stated that he is a fan ofAlicia Keys,Jessie J,Jack White,The Saturdays, andKings of Leon.
Mars's music has been noted for displaying a wide variety of styles, musical genres, and influences, including pop,R&B,funk,soul,reggae,and rock.His debut album,Doo-Wops & Hooligans, is predominantly a pop,reggae popand R&B record.It is influenced by most of the genres mentioned above.Many of his songs on the album, reflect "feel-good", carefree, and optimistic sentiments.However darker subjects are addressed in his songs, detailing failed relationships, pain and loneliness.His subsequent release,Unorthodox Jukebox, as with his debut album, is infused with different influences including disco, funk, rock, reggae and soul, as well asballadry.Lyrically, the album is different from the former, addressing traditional notions of romance, male chauvinism, and sexuality.The explicit content in the song "Gorilla" caused a controversy in Australia.Mars's third album,24K Magic, was significantly influenced by R&B,funk, pop andnew jack swing.Lyrically, the album involves themes of money and sex.An Evening with Silk Sonicis the debut studio album by Americanmusical superduoSilk Sonic, composed of Mars andAnderson .Paak. The album is rooted inR&B,soul,funk,hip hopand pop music.It explores themes of "seduction, romance", reconciliation and materialism.
Mars possesses a three-octavetenorvocal range.Jon CaramanicaofThe New York Timescommented that he is one of the most "versatile and accessible singers in pop, with a light, soul-influenced voice that's an easy fit in a range of styles, a universal donor",while Tim Sendra fromAllMusicdescribed the singer's vocals onDoo-Wops & Hooligansas "the kind of smooth instrument that slips into your ear like honey."Jody RosenfromRolling Stonecalled Mars a "nimble, soulful vocalist" onUnorthodox Jukebox. Jim Farber of theNew York Daily Newslikened the voice "the purity, cream and range of mid-period Michael Jackson" in a review of a concert promotingUnorthodox Jukebox.On24K Magic,Consequence of Sound's Karen Gwen affirmed that Mars showed his "pips" and pushed his vocals to the limit. She described his voice as a "clear, unapologetic tenor" being a "blessing" nowadays.Jon Caramanica ofThe New York Timesfound24K Magicto show the singer's vocal ability from tenderness to "the more forceful side of his voice".
Mars has explained his writing process: "I don't sit down and think, 'I'm going to write a song'", since "You can't force creativeness" as inspiration comes out of the blue in different places. Ideas occur suddenly to him; and occasionally, he is able to materialize them into lyrics.He has said that he typically writes songs by playing the guitar or piano first.Mars plays drums,guitar,keyboard,bass,piano,ukulele,and congas.He usually plays the instrumentation or part of it, on his albums and on the songs he composes for other artists.
Mars claims that his work with other artists has influenced his musical style: "Nothin' on Youhad a Motown vibe,Billionairewas a reggae acoustic guitar-driven song, though one of my favorites is theCeeLo Greensong. I don't think anyone else could've sung that song. And there'sJust the Way You Are. If you know my story, you know I love all different genres of music."Mars feels that growing up in Hawaii influenced his style, giving the songs a reggae sound. He explains: "In Hawaii some of the biggest radio stations are reggae. That music brings people together. It's not urban music or pop music. It's just songs. That's what makes it cross over so well. The song comes first."
Philip Lawrence, one of his music partners, stated: "What people don't know is there's a darker underbelly to Bruno Mars." Nevertheless, most of his music is romantic and Mars himself says: "I blame that on me singing to girls back in high school".Brody Brown, who has worked various times with Mars, affirmed that the latter is in charge of both the melody and lyrics of his tracks, "I'll just do the music, but Bruno does both. I chime in on some things with words, but the majority of the content is written by Bruno and Phil (Lawrence)."
Mars is known for hisretroshowmanship, which is widely acclaimed by tourcriticsand reviewers.Deanna Ramsay ofThe Jakarta Postdescribed Mars as a "truly global star".Boston Herald's Jim Sullivan compared the showmanship of Mars to Michael Jackson and Elvis Presley.Kevin Johnson of theSt. Louis Post-Dispatchcalled Mars a "consummate performer."The Boston Globe'sSarah Rodman said that Mars shows an "indefatigable ecstatic approach to performing" and "classic showmanship."In the same vein, Jim Farber of theDaily Newscommented about the halftime show atSuper Bowl XLVIIIthat Mars "brings old-school showmanship to dynamic performance."The singer took its inspiration by playing videotapes of Elvis, James Brown and Michael Jackson when he was younger. Now before shows he watches Brown'sT.A.M.I. Show, James Hendrix'sLive at Woodstockor Prince performing "Purple Rain" (1984).
DuringThe Doo-Wops & Hooligans Tour, Ara Jansan fromThe West Australiancalled the performance "one of the most creative and exciting displays of musical artistry" she had witnessed in a long time and noticed the concert attracted a wide-ranging audience of all age groups.The Oregonian's Robert Ham noticed, on theHooligans in Wondaland Tour, that the singer not only grabbed the spectators' attention throughout the entire concert, but he also sang every note by himself with noticeable guitar skills.During theMoonshine Jungle Tour, Jason Lipshutz ofBillboarddescribed the singer's performance as "entertaining ... keeping smiles plastered on the faces of his onlookers, and he does a better job at it than almost anyone working in music right now".Rolling Stonemagazine placed Mars at number 35 on its list of 50 Best Live Acts Right Now in 2013; "Anyone from the age of 5 to 95 can walk out of a Bruno Mars concert feeling like the show was designed just for them. Mars walks the old-school walk and talks the sexy talk, but he also nails the hits, leads a super-energetic nine-piece soul band, and rips a mean drum solo".NFLexecutives Sarah Moll and Tracy Perlman said, "If you go to his concerts, it's 11-year-old girls to 65-year-old women—it's everyone", after seeing The Moonshine Jungle tour several times during the summer of 2013.The24K Magic World Tour, was praised by critics due to the showmanship, guitar skills and stage production.The tour won twoPollstarawards, two Billboard Music Awards and oneTEC Award.Mars'sconcert residencyatBruno Mars at Park MGM, won Top R&B Tour at the2022 Billboard Music Awards.
Mars's concerts feature The Hooligans, a band that includes a guitarist, bassist, drummer, keyboardist, and ahorn section. They also serve as dancers andbackground singers.Critics noted the difference the backup band and the arrangements made to the sound of the live versions of the songs compared to those on the album.The shows feature all-band choreographed dancing arrangements, includingfootworkinspired byJames Brownand thesplits.The shows are influenced by thediscoera with asoulrevue-inspired set.In addition, long, mellow, and soft interludes that echo the smoothcontemporary R&Bstyle which was popular during the 1990s are also part of the show.Theset listsblend several genres of music, including pop, doo-wop, funk, R&B, soul, and reggae.His shows usually featurepyrotechnics, strobe and laser lighting,and he typically plays the drums and guitar.In 2021,Pollstarnamed Mars the hip-hop/R&B touring artist of the 2010s decade.
Mars has collaborated with many different directors to produce his music videos, and over time he emerged as a music video director. From 2010 to 2017, Mars co-directed withCameron Duddyten music videos from his albumsDoo-Wops & Hooligans,Unorthodox Jukebox, and24K Magic, as well as featured singles.In 2011, not only Mars developed the second concept and treatment for "The Lazy Song", but he also brought in Duddy to co-directed the music video with him.In an interview, Duddy elaborated that he and Mars "can fight like sisters when it comes to doing music videos. The best collaborations are always fueled by opposite perspectives or alternative ideas. We always find a common ground."In 2018, Mars co-directed the music video for "Finesse" with Florent Dechard. He continued to collaborate with Dechard on the music videos for "Please Me", "Blow", "Leave the Door Open" and "Skate".
Mars, who choreographed the video for "Treasure", won the award forBest Choreographyat the2013 MTV Video Music Awards.Mars and Duddy work was recognized at several award shows, including two nominations for anMTV Video Music Award for Best Directionon "Uptown Funk" and "24K Magic".Mars's collaborations with Dechard earned them a nomination for Video Director of the Year at the2019 BET Hip Hop Awards.In 2017, "That's What I Like" directed by Mars andJonathan Lialed both to a nomination at theBET Awards 2017for Video Director of the Year.In 2018, Mars and Ben Winston's direction ofBruno Mars: 24K Magic Live at the Apollo(2017) earned them a nomination for aPrimetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Music Direction.In 2021, Mars and Dechard directed the video for "Leave the Door Open", for which they wonVideo Director of the Yearat theBET Awards 2021.The aforementioned music video also wonBest Editingat the2021 MTV Video Music Awards.
Mars not only wears outfits inspired by previous decades, but he also matches that aesthetic to his music. On his debut studio album,Doo-Wops and Hooligans, the singer wore '60s-inspired suits and presented faded hair. However, on his third studio album,24K Magic, Mars was channeling the '80s and '90s in its sound and aesthetic.During the recording process of24K Magic, Mars imposed adress codein the studio, favoring jewelry and "fine clothes" oversweatpantsto create "groovy, smooth and soulful songs".In 2021, he collaborated with Anderson .Paak on their supergroup,Silk Sonic, to release their debut studio album,An Evening with Silk Sonic. Mars wore "wide collars, leisure suits, and funky patterns", as was usual in the 1970s, which was also paired with their sound. Tessa Petak writing forInStyleaffirmed, "Regardless of the decade he's emulating, Mars's fashion sense and stage presence make him larger-than-life".
Current members
Former members
Timeline
In 2011, Mars appeared in two commercials forBench.He and modelJoan Smallswere photographed in 1950s influenced suits in Puerto Rico as part of the clothing line "La Isla Bonita" forVogue.In 2012, Mars decided to invest in Chromatik, which makes digital versions of sheet music for the web and iPad. Mars said: "I love that Chromatik will bring better music education into schools. [...] And I'm happy to be a part of it."In 2013, Mars tweeted a picture of himself using anelectronic cigarette. A press release was published reporting his investment in theNJOYElectronic Cigarette Company, "to quit smoking for his mother", as the singer "believes in the product and the company's mission."Both Chromatik and NJOY have been acquired by TakeLessons andMarlboro, respectively.
In 2014, the small rum brandSelvaRey Rumbegan catering events and parties by Mars. In the following year, the singer was introduced to the brand by co-founder Seth Gold. At that point, Mars decided to invest an undisclosed amount for an equity stake in SelvaRey.In 2020, Mars decided to go global, after he and Gold tried multiple combinations with the bottles and flavors for years, the singer was responsible for the new taste, branding, and design of the packaging, with a 1970s style.The brand was founded and is co-owned by Mars, Seth Gold, Marc Gold, and Robert Herzig.Later, The Hooligans, along with Anderson .Paak, D'Mile, James Fauntleroy, and Charles Moniz also became co-owners.
On March 5, 2021, Mars, under his designer alter ego, Ricky Regal, released a luxury 1970s-inspired sportswear withLacoste, entitled Lacoste x Ricky Regal. He worked with Louise Trotter, Lacoste's creative director, to create a clothing line that matched his personality with Lacoste's sportswear. The singer was involved with every aspect of the collection from concept to fittings.When they started to work, Mars adopted "an alter ego to help him think as a designer."
On July 29, 2022, it was reported that Mars is set to open a lounge bar on theLas Vegas Strip, replacing the Lily Bar & Lounge at theBellagio, named "The Pinky Ring", a reference to a lyric from his song "24K Magic" (2016).On October 28, 2023, the bar was announced to open in early 2024. It is set to include "moody" lighting, a specialty bar, live music and DJs.The Pink Ring opened on February 12, 2024. During the first two weeks of the bar's opening, The Hooligans performed every night.Mars wore a pinky ring to celebrate the opening of his bar. The piece was created byTiffany & Coin yellow gold, featuring the initials for the Pinky Ring framed in white diamonds on its front. It has "Pinky Ring 2024" engraved on its reverse.
On November 7, 2023, it was announced Mars's partnership withFenderto release the "Bruno Mars Stratocaster", a limited editionFender Stratocasterin an exclusive color "Mars Mocha Heirloom." The guitar design was inspired by Mars's "retro style and showmanship". It comes with a "'69 neck profile modeled on Mars's own '69 Strat" and includes "custom-voiced Fender Bruno Mars pickups" and "a leopard print strap, which pays homage to two of Mars's favorite guitar players, Jimi Hendrix and Prince".In a statement of designing the guitar, Mars affirmed "I don't think of myself as a guitar player. Every song is like a puzzle you have to solve, and a good guitar can bring something out of you that can help take you to the finish line."
In August 2024, Mars collaborated with Japanese discount Store chainDon Quijote, appearing in their commercial. Mars, along with dancers Miyu, Haruka, Miyuri and miku, and the store's mascot Donpen, dance around the Mega Don Quijote store in Shibuya, while picking up articles from the store's "People Brand 'Jōnetsu kakaku'".Mars wrote the jingle and directed the commercial for the "Donki ikuyo" campaign with Daniel Ramos.The collaboration also included several exclusive goods that were released for a limited time in September.Mars shared the commercial on his Instagram.
In September, 2024, Mars, under his designer alter ego, Ricky Regal, partnered withStetsonto release a new "silhouette inspired by the American heritage brand's early designs". The silhouette will be available in black, silverbelly and chocolate. It also includes two accessories, a "gold-toned horseshoe pin with rhinestones" and a "Stetson x Ricky Regal liner featuring a red rose". Mars designed the collection's hat.In December 2024, Mars andHello Kittyformed a partnership. The latter is to celebrate Hello Kitty's 50th Anniversary and the opening of Mars' residency on December 18 at Dolby Live at Park MGM. To commemorate the celebrations limited-edition merchandise was made available, along with themed food and drink at Hello Kitty Cafe at The Park MGM. A Hello Kitty meet-and-greet was held in December, 2024.
In 2014, it was announced that Mars had partnered with theHawai'i Community Foundationand theGrammy Foundationto establish a Grammy Camp Scholarship Fund for qualified needs-based applicants from Hawaii.On September 27, 2017, he expanded his camp scholarship to include applicants from all over the United States. The singer established the partnership in honor of his mother.
In 2014, Mars donated US$100,000 to the orphans ofBantay Bata, who were among the victims ofTyphoon Haiyan, raising the morale of those who lost their families and homes.He performed at the Make It Right gala, whose campaign goal is to "help build homes for people in need."He also performed at theRobin Hood Foundation's 2014 annual benefit to "fight poverty in New York City by supporting nonprofit organizations with financial and technical assistance."In 2017, Mars andLive Nationdonated a million dollars from the show at the Palace inAuburn Hills, Michigan, to help the victims of theFlint water crisis.The singer participated in the "Somos Una Voz" relief initiative to help survivors ofHurricane Mariain Puerto Rico and Mexico's earthquake.
In November 2018, Mars donated 24,000 meals in aid to theSalvation Army Hawaiian & Pacific Islands Division's 48th annual Thanksgiving Dinner.In 2020, he donated $1 million to the MGM Resorts Foundation, to assist MGM employees with financial difficulties due to theCOVID-19 pandemic.In the same year, Mars and other artists donated autographed or unique microphones toReverb.com, a music gear online marketplace, for a charity sale "with all proceeds going to ten youth music education programs" affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.He also created a protest placard with anAngela Davisquote for an online auction called Show Me the Signs to help families of black women killed by police.
Until the end of 2021, Mars donated all the profits earned with SelvaRey Rum to theHonolulu Community College's Music & Entertainment Learning Experience program, in Hawaii.In the same year, the singer was part of the "Keep Memory Alive Power of Love" gala. The event's proceeds support services, care, and resources to patients and their caregivers to combat neurocognitive diseases.In 2022, Mars alongsideBillie Eilish,Dua Lipa,Shawn Mendes, andRosalíawere named co-chairs for the "Grammy Museum's Campaign for Music Education". The aim is to raise between 3–$5 million for the Grammy's educational programs. It allows people, who are 18 and under as well as college students, free entrance to the Los AngelesGrammy Museumand access to various "music education programs".
In 2024, Mars performed a charity concert, sponsored byBudweiserBrasil, at the Tokio Marine Hall in São Paulo, to help the victims of the2024 Rio Grande do Sul floods.
Bruno Mars has been declared a "pop icon" by media outlets such asThe Philippine Star,Evansville Courier & Press,The Dickinson Press,andiHeartRadio.The Guardianwriter Michael Cragg deemed "the Bruno Mars strategy" the career path of "songwriter turned popstar", as he became known within the music industry by writing and producing hit singles for other artists, and eventually appearing as a featured artist on them—withThe New Yorkerstating that he overshadowed the lead artists on those songs.Amanda Petrusich ofThe New Yorkerdescribed him as "arguably one of the most instinctive and enthralling showmen of his generation".Fuse TVcredited Mars for bringing the "funkalicious vibes of retro pop and R&B back to modern music" in 2017,whileThe Independentwriter Roisin O'connor later called him the "king of retro crooning".In 2013,NPR MusicwriterAnn Powersdefined Mars as "the most valuable pop historian" at the time.In 2016, Damien Scott writing forBETcalled Mars "the prince of pop music".In 2019, Margaret Farrell fromStereogumaffirmed that "Uptown Funk"'s success solidified Mars's "kingly pop stature".
Billboardwrote in 2018 that no male artist in pop music during the 2010s has enjoyed a longer success streak than Mars.Similarly,Slateconsidered him "the most consistent male pop star of the 2010s".In 2021,WBLSstated that Mars "has been a dominant force in popular culture for more than a decade".In 2023,The Timesranked Mars as the thirteenth best vocalist of the 21st century among 20.The New York TimesandToronto Starhave described "Uptown Funk" as one of the most recognizable pop songs of the century.Speaking on his Puerto Rican roots and ethnic labels,Remezclaargued that Mars is "the first proud Latino artist to make it" to the "top of international pop culture" while not following the music industry's "cynical labels game" to be pigeonholed.His music and showmanship have inspired singers such asAJ Mitchell,Thomas Rhett,Dua Lipa,Benny Dayal,Rauw Alejandro,KiDi,Lee Brice,Shawn Mendes,Selena Gomez,andMeghan Trainor.
In 2013, Mars was namedArtist of the YearbyBillboardand in 2016 he became the recipient of NRJ Artist of Honor recognizing his contribution to music".The singer earned an Innovator Award at the2017 iHeartRadio Music Awardsand a Visionary Award at the2017 Teen Choice Awards.In 2019,iHeartRadio Canadaplaced Mars on theirs "Icons of the Decade" of the 2010s, whileInsidergave him an honorable mention on their 2010s list.In 2021,Billboardnamed Mars the third Top Artist of the 2010s and 14 on the list of Top Touring Artists of the 2010s.In 2024,Billboardnumbered Mars the 20thGreatest Pop Stars of the 21st Century. Kyle Dines wrote "one of the century's great writers, performers and hitmakers, who essentially arrived to early-'10s pop already on top of the world and has scarcely left his perch since."
Mars has earned numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including 16Grammy Awards,fourBrit Awards,fourGuinness World Record11Americanand 14Soul TrainMusic Awards.In 2011, he madeTimemagazine's 100 list and his former songwriting and record producing team, the Smeezingtons, earned several accolades.In 2014, Mars toppedForbesmagazine's '30 Under 30' list, a tally of the brightest stars in 15 different fields under the age of 30 in the US.At the 2018 Grammys, he became the second artist to win Record and Song of the Year with two different songs from the same album.At the 2022 Grammys, Mars became the second artist to win Record of the Year three times.In 2019,Billboardranked Mars at number 41 on its list of Greatest of All Time Artists.As a songwriter, Mars has been honored, as part of the Smeezingtons, byMusic Weekas best songwriters of 2010 and byBillboardas he ranked at number six on their 2013 list of Hot 100 Songwriters.
"Just The Way You Are" spent 20 weeks, the longest debut, on theAdult Contemporarychart in the U.S."When I Was Your Man" was the second number one song in the U.S. to feature only piano and vocals.Mars is the first male artist to place two titles as a lead act in the U.S. top 10 simultaneously.He has nine number-one singles in the U.S.In 2018, he matched Beyonce and Mariah Carey as the only artists with three top-five singles in the U.S. from their first three studio albums.He became the first solo male artist with eleven number ones in the U.S. Mainstream Top 40 chart.Mars, Sheeran andJewelare the only artists with two songs to spend at least half a year in the U.S. top 10.In 2019, Mars was one of the few artists who have spent at least 241 weeks among all their U.S.BillboardHot 100 top 10s.Mars spent 38 weeks on the top spot of theBillboardHot 100, tying Michael Jackson for the eighth-most time spent at number one.He earned his eleventh number one at the Digital Song Sales, the ninth-best total in the chart.
In 2012, "Just the Way You Are" and "Grenade" were the best-selling digital singles of the year, with sales of 12.5 million and 10.2 million, respectively. This contributed to Mars becoming the biggest selling artist of that year.His songs "Just The Way You Are", "Grenade", "Locked Out Of Heaven", and "When I Was Your Man" have each sold over 4 million digital copies, making him the first male artist to do so as a lead singer.Six of his singles are counted among thelist of best-selling singlesof all time.Worldwide, Mars has sold 26 million albums as of 2016,and a total of 200 million singles as of 2020.In 2022, he became the first artist to receive six diamond certified songs in the United States.In 2023,Post Maloneholds the record, with nine diamond certified songs in the United States."Uptown Funk" and "Grenade" were listed by several publications as being among the best songs of the decade.
Due to theticket resellingthat occurred during the week after the performance of Mars at the Super Bowl, and to limit that kind of profiteering,Hawaii SenatePresidentDonna Mercado Kimintroduced Senate Resolution 12, also known as theBruno Mars Act. It limits all ticket purchases within 48 hours of the on-sale date to the physical box office so that anyone who comes to the box office to buy tickets for a show should almost be guaranteed a ticket and discourages ticket scalping.The State Senate in Hawaii passed the law.However, the bill died at the conference committee.As of September 2021,Billboardreported that Mars has earned $604.4 million from concerts. He is one of fewer than 30 artists to cross the $600 million threshold in Boxscore history.
In 2022, Mars became the fastest-selling artist for his five shows in Japan, selling around 210.000 tickets in record time.In 2023, Mars sold 101,000 tickets for two concerts in Seoul, the biggest audience of theHyundai Card's "Super Concert".In 2024, Mars became the first artist since Michael Jackson to sell out seven shows at the 55,000-capacity Tokyo Dome.The singer also had the biggest international attendance during his two concerts in Taiwan, with 157,000 people.In the same year, the singer performed 14 concerts in Brazil, during his promotional tour, titledBruno Mars: Live in Brazil. He broke the record of biggest tour in Brazil by an international artist, held byRBDduring theirTour Generación RBD(2006) with 13 shows.
As of January 2025, and following the releases of "Die With a Smile" with Lady Gaga and "Apt." with Rosé, Mars reached over 150 million monthly listeners onSpotify. He became the first artist to do so on the platform.Mars is the second artist, afterSabrina Carpenter, "to replace himself at number one and take the top two spots" at the same time on theBillboardGlobal 200 and Global Excluding United States. He also set the biggest debut by a male artist on the Global 200."Apt." became the first song to have at least 200 million streams globally in multiple weeks on the aforementioned charts.
Eric Hernandez, Mars's brother, has continuously served as the drummer for his backup band, The Hooligans. Their sisters, Tiara, Tahiti, and Presley, as well as their cousin Jamie, make up the all-girl music group The Lylas. When she was young, Jamie moved in with the siblings due to parental issues.Mars began dating modelJessica Cabanin 2011.The two remain a couple as of 2024, residing together in a mansion in the Hollywood Hills with aRottweilernamed Geronimo.
On May 31, 2013, Mars was returning to Los Angeles from an overseas gig when he learned in the airport that his mother was gravely ill. He immediately got on a plane to Hawaii. The following day, his mother died at Queens Medical Center in Honolulu, aged 55, from complications of abrain aneurysm.On June 7, 2013, the singer wrote about the loss of his mother on Twitter: "So thankful for all the love during the most difficult time in my life. I'll be back on my feet again soon. That's what mom wants, she told me."
In 2013, Mars toldRolling Stonethat record executives "had trouble categorizing him", and were consequently unsure which radio stations would play his songs, or to which ethnic group (black or white) he would appeal.In the same month, he confessed that "Nothin' on You" was rejected by a "music industry decision-maker" because of his race. That experience made him feel like a "mutant", and he says that was his lowest point. "Even with that song in my back pocket to seal the deal, things like that are coming out of people's mouths. It made me feel like I wasn't even in the room."
In 2018, Mars was accused duringThe Grapevine, a series that explores African-American issues, of cultural appropriation on social media for using his racial ambiguity to profit from black music, and was criticized for mimicking the sound of past artists. Various black celebrities, includingStevie Wonder,Charlie Wilson,9th Wonder, Marjua Estevez, and Stereo Williams dismissed the accusations.Mars has spoken often about his influences and has given credit to several black artists includingBabyface,Teddy Riley, andJimmy Jam & Terry Lewis.In 2021, during an interview onThe Breakfast Club, Mars responded to the criticism, "The only reason why I'm here is because of James Brown, is because of Prince, Michael [Jackson] ... that's it. This music comes from love and if you can't hear that, then I don't know what to tell you."
On September 19, 2010, Mars was arrested inLas Vegasat theHard Rock Casinofor possession ofcocaine. Mars pleaded guilty to felony drug possession. He was fined $2,000, sentenced to 200 hours of community service, given 12 months of probation, and required to get eight hours of drug counseling. In January 2012, his cocaine possession charges were dismissed after his attorneys informed a state court judge that he had completed community service and met the conditions of a plea deal reached a year earlier.
On January 28, 2014, Demetrius Orlandus Proctor filed a lawsuit, claiming he holds the copyright for the McCoy and Mars track "Billionaire". Proctor claimed he owned the copyright to the music and lyrics of the track since March 31, 2011, though the song was released a year before. As evidence, Proctor has submitted a United States Copyright Office registration certificate for "Frisky Vol. 1 to 30 (Tapes)", issued in 2000. Proctor accused McCoy and Mars of "willful and intentional" infringement of copyright, seeking the destruction of all copies of the recording. Proctor claims he has exclusive rights to reproduce and distribute the song.
"Uptown Funk" by Ronson and Mars has received various accusations and lawsuits over copyright infringement. In 2015, similarities with "Oops Up Side Your Head" (1979) bythe Gap Bandled them, along with keyboardist Rudolph Taylor, and producerLonnie Simmonsto be added as co-writers of "Uptown Funk" and receive publishing royalties.In the same year, Serbian artistViktorijaargued that "Uptown Funk" infringed on one of her tracks. She decided not to sue Mars and Ronson.In 2016, electro-funk bandCollagesued Ronson and Mars for copying their single, "Young Girls" (1983), whilethe Sequence, a rap group, claimed it infringed their single "Funk You Up" (1979) and sued a year later.In 2017, Lastrada Entertainment filed a lawsuit due to similarities with "More Bounce to the Ounce" (1980) byZapp. The company sought damages and a jury trial to prevent Ronson from profiting with "Uptown Funk".In 2018, the Collage and Zapp lawsuits were dropped; it was not revealed if there had been any financial settlement.
"Treasure" was re-registered with new writing credits, which includedThibaut Berlandand Christopher Khan, due to the similarities with Breakbot's "Baby I'm Yours".
Billboardestimated Mars's earnings at $18,839,681, making him the twelfth-highest-paid musician of 2013.Forbesmagazine began reporting his earnings in 2014, calculating that the $60 million earned between June 2013 to June 2014, for his music and tour, put him thirteenth on the Celebrity 100 list.In June 2017, Mars ranked sixth on the Forbes World's Highest Paid Celebrities, earning an estimated $39 million from June 2016 through June 2017.In July 2018,Forbesannounced that Mars was America's highest-paid musician of 2017, with an estimated total of $100 million. This, in turn, placed him at number 11 on the Celebrity 100 list as well as being his highest yearly earnings to date.In 2019, he was placed at number 54 on the Forbes Celebrity 100 list, with estimated earnings of $51.5 million between June 1, 2018, and June 1, 2019.
In March 2024, it was alleged that Mars is $50 million in debt due to gambling losses, which would explain why Mars has had a nine-year Vegas residency atPark MGM.However, on March 18, 2024,MGM Resortsdenied the allegations, with senior vice president of public relations Jenn Michaels asserting that Mars "has no debt with MGM... speculation otherwise is completely false."