If you are a fan of pop, R&B, soul, funk, or even rock, chances are that the name Bruno Mars will not sound strange to you. As a matter of fact, Mars’ influence cuts across diverse genres, styles and cultures; most music lovers will likely know Bruno Mars.
With such a unique, powerful and eccentric voice, style and showmanship, Bruno Mars captured the hearts of millions of music lovers from all around the world—it is almost impossible to hate Bruno Mars—regardless of what your musical taste is.
Mars and his production team The Smeezingtons (which he co-founded as far back as 2009) are responsible for massively successful singles for both Bruno Mars himself and other music artists.
Mars rose to fame in 2010 after the success of “Nothin’ on You.” Still, in 2010, Bruno Mars released his debut studio album titled Doo-Wops & Hooligans.
This album artistically blended elements of pop with reggae and R&B. The album features several international number-one hit singles like “Just the Way You Are,” “Grenade,” and “The Lazy Song.”
Being inspired by elements and idioms from disco, rock, funk, reggae and soul, Bruno’s second album, Unorthodox Jukebox (released in December 2012), became his first number-one on the Billboard 200.
The album had two Billboard Hot 100 number-one songs, “When I Was Your Man” and “Locked Out of Heaven.” Bruno Mars is the one artist that never has a bad song.
Born October 8, 1985, Peter Gene Hernandez, professionally known as Bruno Mars, is an American singer-songwriter, and record producer.
Bruno Mars is known for his stage eccentric and energetic stage performances, retro-inspired showmanship, and for performing in a wide range of musical styles and genres.
However, after his 24K Magic tour, it seemed Bruno Mars completely disappeared from the music scene. This got fans and admirers asking, “What happened to Bruno Mars?” The good news is that Bruno Mars is still very much alive and active in the music scene—however, under a different capacity.
Mars pivoted just a bit from his soloist career. Bruno Mars is now part of a band named Silk Sonic, which he formed alongside rapper Anderson.Paak. Together, they’ve been enjoying some success in this new format and even earned an opening set at the Grammys and a residency in Las Vegas.
In this article, we will take a deeper look into the life and career of Bruno Mars and what has been happening ever since his seeming disappearance.
Table of Contents
Who Really is Bruno Mars?
Bruno Mars is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and multi-instrumentalist born to Peter Gene Hernandez on October 8, 1985. With his particular combination of pop, R&B, funk, soul, and reggae elements, he soared to fame in the late 2000s.
He was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii; at the age of 4, he joined his family in entertainment at hotels as an impersonator for Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson. He formed the High Schoolboys in high school. He later moved to L.A to pursue his music career
At 18, Bruno Mars signed with Motown Records, which was sure to set him up for fame. However, it didn’t, this was because Motown Records never released any of his music until the end of his contract.
He eventually formed the studio hit trio, the Smeezingtons, who were background vocalists to songs like Ride Around by Flo Rida. This helped establish his reputation in the music industry. Atlantic Records then signed Bruno Mars.
In 2010, he released his debut solo single, “Just the Way You Are,” which topped the charts worldwide and earned him his first Grammy Award. The success of his debut single set the stage for his meteoric rise to stardom.
In 2010, Bruno Mars released a debut studio album, “Doo-Wops & Hooligans,” which showcased his diverse musical influences and immense talent.
The album spawned several hit singles, including “Grenade” and “The Lazy Song,” thereby solidifying his status as a pop superstar.
The album received critical acclaim and was a commercial success, selling millions of copies worldwide. After his debut album’s success, Mars continued to dominate the charts with his other album, Unorthodox Jukebox, released in 2012.
The album featured the hit singles Treasure, Locked Out of Heaven and When I Was Your Man. It showcased Mars’ versatility as an artist, incorporating rock, reggae, and funk elements into his pop sound. Unorthodox Jukebox Won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Album.
In 2016, Bruno Mars released another studio album, 24K Magic. The album’s title track became a massive hit, earning Mars multiple Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year.
The album infused the ’80s and ’90s-inspired R&B and funk sounds, producing chart-topping singles like That’s What I Like and Versace on the Floor.
24K Magic further solidified Mars’ reputation as a hitmaker and showcased his incredible showmanship. Bruno Mars has received numerous accolades throughout his career, including 11 Grammy Awards, 3 Brit Awards, and numerous others.
His music has resonated with audiences of all ages and backgrounds thanks to his catchy melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and energetic performances. He is known for his dynamic stage presence, smooth dance moves, and charismatic personality.
Bruno Mars’ music often pays homage to the classic sounds of the past while maintaining a modern and fresh appeal. His ability to blend various genres seamlessly has made him a popular artist across different music demographics.
Mars draws inspiration from icons like Michael Jackson, Prince, and James Brown, infusing their influence into his unique style. In addition to his solo work, Bruno Mars has collaborated with several artists, including Mark Ronson, Cardi B, and Travis Scott.
His collaborations have produced chart-topping hits and have further expanded his musical reach.
Singles and Albums
Here’s a table showcasing Bruno Mars’ singles and albums:
| Song Title | Album | Year |
| Just the Way You Are | Doo-Wops & Hooligans | 2010 |
| Grenade | Doo-Wops & Hooligans | 2010 |
| The Lazy Song | Doo-Wops & Hooligans | 2010 |
| Marry You | Doo-Wops & Hooligans | 2010 |
| Locked Out of Heaven | Unorthodox Jukebox | 2012 |
| When I Was Your Man | Unorthodox Jukebox | 2012 |
| Treasure | Unorthodox Jukebox | 2013 |
| Gorilla | Unorthodox Jukebox | 2013 |
| 24K Magic | 24K Magic | 2016 |
| That’s What I Like | 24K Magic | 2016 |
| Versace on the Floor | 24K Magic | 2016 |
| Finesse (Remix) [feat. Cardi B] | 24K Magic | 2018 |
| Please Me (with Cardi B) | Single Release | 2019 |
| Leave the Door Open | Silk Sonic (with Anderson .Paak) | 2021 |
| Skate | Silk Sonic (with Anderson .Paak) | 2021 |
| Smokin’ Out the Window | Silk Sonic (with Anderson .Paak) | 2021 |
Awards and Nominations
Here’s a table showcasing Bruno Mars’ awards and nominations:
| Award | Year | Category | Outcome |
| Grammy Awards | 2011 | Best Male Pop Vocal Performance | Won |
| Grammy Awards | 2011 | Best Rap/Sung Collaboration | Nominated |
| Grammy Awards | 2011 | Song of the Year | Nominated |
| Grammy Awards | 2011 | Record of the Year | Nominated |
| Grammy Awards | 2011 | Best Pop Vocal Album | Nominated |
| Grammy Awards | 2014 | Best Pop Vocal Album | Won |
| Grammy Awards | 2014 | Record of the Year | Won |
| Grammy Awards | 2014 | Song of the Year | Won |
| Grammy Awards | 2014 | Best Pop Solo Performance | Won |
| Grammy Awards | 2014 | Best Remixed Recording, Non-Classical | Nominated |
| Grammy Awards | 2014 | Best Pop Duo/Group Performance | Nominated |
| Grammy Awards | 2014 | Best R&B Song | Nominated |
| Grammy Awards | 2014 | Best R&B Performance | Nominated |
| Grammy Awards | 2017 | Record of the Year | Won |
| Grammy Awards | 2017 | Album of the Year | Won |
| Grammy Awards | 2017 | Best R&B Album | Won |
| Grammy Awards | 2017 | Best R&B Performance | Won |
| Grammy Awards | 2017 | Best R&B Song | Nominated |
| Grammy Awards | 2017 | Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical | Nominated |
| Grammy Awards | 2017 | Best Pop Vocal Album | Nominated |
| Grammy Awards | 2017 | Song of the Year | Nominated |
| Grammy Awards | 2018 | Best R&B Performance | Won |
| Grammy Awards | 2018 | Best R&B Song | Nominated |
| Grammy Awards | 2018 | Best R&B Album | Nominated |
| Grammy Awards | 2018 | Record of the Year | Nominated |
| Grammy Awards | 2018 | Album of the Year | Nominated |
| Grammy Awards | 2018 | Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical | Nominated |
| Grammy Awards | 2019 | Song of the Year | Nominated |
| Grammy Awards | 2019 | Best R&B Performance | Nominated |
| Grammy Awards | 2019 | Best R&B Song | Nominated |
| Grammy Awards | 2019 | Best R&B Album | Nominated |
| Grammy Awards | 2021 | Best R&B Performance | Won |
| Grammy Awards | 2021 | Best R&B Song | Nominated |
| Grammy Awards | 2021 | Best Music Video | Nominated |
| Billboard Music Awards | 2011 | Top Radio Song | Nominated |
| Billboard Music Awards | 2011 | Top Male Artist | Nominated |
| Billboard Music Awards | 2011 | Top Hot 100 Artist | Nominated |
What Happened to Bruno Mars?
It’s hard to imagine that Bruno Mars ever had a single scandal to his name. However, in 2010, despite his success in his early career, he suddenly hit the headlines with an arrest.
At the time of his highly publicized arrest, he possessed cocaine. His viral mugshot did nothing to help his image at the time considering he was smiling widely.
To avoid arrest, Bruno Mars pleaded guilty to drug felony possession and got 12 months of probation, 200 hours of community service, enrolled in drug counselling and paid a fine of $2000.
He needed this reality check to get his act together, considering he was overindulging in drinking. As a result of the arrest, his tour was cancelled, and his album sales dropped significantly.
In 2017, Bruno Mars went on the 24k Magic tour for his third album, 24k Magic. While doing the European leg of the tour, he met up with Anderson Paak, his opening act for the first part of the European tour.
Following the tour, he decided to settle down in Las Vegas by securing a two-year contract with MGM Resorts International. The contract entails performing at two venues: The Park Theater at Monte Carlo and The Theater at MGM National Harbor in Maryland.
Unfortunately, the residency coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, and Mars had very little interaction with his fans for the March 6th and 7th concerts. The rest of the concerts for April were all cancelled due to the pandemic as well.
Following his 24K Magic tour and residency in Las Vegas, Bruno Mars did not release any new albums or embark on a major solo tour, and fans worldwide started asking what happened to Bruno Mars.
In 2021, Bruno Mars returned, announcing his new album with Anderson Paak under Silk Sonic. The album was a great hit, featuring songs like “Leave the Door Open” and “Smoking Out the Window.”
In 2022, Bruno Mars shared news about a residency in Las Vegas at the Park MGM stage. The residency had 36 shows performed at the Park Theatre and 5 at MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill.
During the performance, Mars was accompanied by his eight-piece band, The Hooligans, and they performed songs from his albums Doo-Wops & Hooligans (2010), Unorthodox Jukebox (2012), and 24K Magic (2016), as well as some covers.
What Happened to Bruno Mars and The Hooligans?
Bruno Mars joined the Hooligans in 2010 in LA and debuted their first album together, “DooWop&The Hooligans”. They released a second album, “Unorthodox Jukebox,” in 2012.
With only two albums under his belt, Bruno Mars performed at the Superbowl in 2014, with the Hooligans kick-starting their rise to fame.
The Hooligans consisted of 8 other musicians besides Bruno Mars, including Phredley Brown, Eric ‘E-Panda’ Hernandez, Bruno’s older brother and the drummer; Kameron Whalum III, the trombonist; Dwayne Dugger, the saxophonist and keyboardist; James King did the trumpet, John Fossit, a third keyboarder and finally backing vocalist Philip Lawrence who was also in the Smeezingtons.
The Hooligans were known for their tight-knit camaraderie and ability to blend different musical genres and styles seamlessly. Their synchronized choreography, infectious energy, and instrumental prowess characterized their performances alongside Bruno Mars.
In 2016, Bruno Mars released his third album, 24K Magic with the Hooligans, and in the same year, they announced the 24K Magic tour. The tour started in November 2017. The tour had a total of 100 dates all across Europe and North America.
During the European tour, Bruno Mars met up with Anderson Paak, who was the opening act of the first part of the tour. They quickly became friends and were seen in the studio with Nile Rodgers and Guy Lawrence allegedly working on a song.
After the 24K Magic tour, there wasn’t any news from Bruno Mars and the Hooligans. In 2021, Bruno Mars and Anderson Paak announced an album they had been working on called ”An Evening with Silk Sonic” under the band Silk Sonic.
After the collaboration with Bruno Mars, the Hooligans went on to do other projects. Phillip Lawrence left the Hooligans and continued working with Bruno Mars and forming the production company Shampoo, Press & Curl.
However, their ties with Bruno Mars were not completely cut as they joined him in the Las Vegas residency on the Park MGM stage featuring songs from the album Doo Wop& The Hooligans.
Bruno Mars Lawsuits – The Aftermath and Effects
In 2014, Bruno Mars released the song, Uptown Funk. Immediately, the song topped the charts in numerous countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.
The song also broke several records, spending 14 consecutive weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States, making it one of the longest-running number-one singles in history.
This was short-lived when the song led to several lawsuits. The eighties group Collage came forward and alleged similarities between the song and their “Young Girls,” released in 1983.
The lawsuit states (via Rolling Stone), “Many of the main instrumental attributes and themes of “Uptown Funk” are deliberately copied from Young Girls.”
The same song also brought on accusations of copyright infringement by Minder Music on behalf of Gap Band for similarities to their song “Oops! Upside Your Head”
The heirs of Gap Band members have taken legal action against BMG Rights Management. Their allegation is that the music publisher has not paid royalties for their credits on the Up Town Funk song.
The heirs separately sued Mars and Ronson in Oklahoma in 2021 before dropping the case in 2022.
Although the members of the GAP were given co-writer credits on the song, the lawsuit wasn’t fully settled, and it emerged again in 2023 though it was directed more to BMG rather than Bruno Mars.
Fortunately, they were able to settle the lawsuit with College, although sources speculate that it wasn’t a financial settlement.
Bruno Mars’s Fourth Studio Album
Since the album, 24 K Magic, Bruno Mars hasn’t released any other album. His other work is a duo with Anderson Paak in the band Silk Sonic. Bruno Mars released “An Evening With Silk Sonic” with Anderson Paak.
Bruno’s lead single, “Leave The Door Open,” won big at the 2022 Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best R&B Performance, and Best R&B Song.
Surprisingly, they pulled it out of the running for the 2023 Grammy Awards. There are rumours that Bruno Mars has been working on another album and is bound to release it in 2025. However, these rumors are yet to be confirmed.
Bruno Mars’s Networth
According to celebritynetworth.com, as of June 2023, Bruno Mars’ net worth is estimated to be $175 Million. Bruno’s Moonshine Jungle Tour earned him almost $138 million. The 24k Magic Tour is estimated to have earned him $367 million.
He also owns a 9,000-square-foot estate worth $ 6.5 million. His other sources of income include album sales, Disney deal, Youtube account and a variety of investments.
What is Bruno Mars Currently Doing?
Silk Sonic was officially announced in February 2021 with the release of their debut single, “Leave the Door Open.” The song quickly gained popularity and critical acclaim for its smooth melodies, lush harmonies, and nostalgic feel.
Bruno Mars and Anderson. Paak has described Silk Sonic as a collaborative effort where they blend their respective styles and influences to create a cohesive sound.
Both artists are known for their soulful voices, dynamic performances, and musical versatility. With Silk Sonic, they aim to bring back the timeless and infectious vibes of classic R&B acts.
Following the success of “Leave the Door Open,” Bruno Mars and Silk Sonic released another single called “Skate” in July 2021.
The song continues its exploration of nostalgic R&B sounds with a catchy and groove-filled vibe that encourages listeners to let loose and enjoy themselves.
Conclusion
There’s no doubt that Bruno Mars is a highly successful and talented singer and songwriter.
Throughout his career, Bruno Mars has achieved numerous accomplishments and accolades.
He rose again despite the threats to his career, like his arrest in 2010 and the numerous lawsuits he had to settle with his song Uptown Funk.
As for what the future holds for Bruno Mars, it is difficult to predict with certainty. However, fans can anticipate that he will continue to create captivating music, push boundaries, and deliver memorable performances.
With his immense talent, dedication to his craft, and ability to connect with audiences, Bruno Mars leaves a lasting legacy in the music industry, and we can’t wait for the next album.
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