Bruno Mars

Bruno Mars (born Peter Gene Hernandez, 8.10.1985)

Bruno Mars is an American singer-songwriter and music producer, perhaps best known for co-writing 'Nothin' on You' by B.o.B.

Bruno Mars: Childhood

Bruno Mars was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii. His parents are of Puerto Rican and Filipino descent. He was given the nickname 'Bruno' as a child, after the wrestler Bruno Sammartino.

Mars was one of six children and his family was a musical one. As a result, he grew up with a variety of music, such as Elvis Presley, The Isley Brothers and Michael Jackson. In 1992, he went on to have a cameo in Honeymoon in Vegas, starring James Caan and Nicolas Cage. After graduating from President Theodore Roosevelt High School, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue a musical career.

Bruno Mars: Musical Career

Bruno Mars began his music career by writing songs for artists such as Alexandra Burke, Brandy and Sean Kingston. He also wrote Flo Rida's hit 'Right Round' and Sugababes' 'Get Sexy'.

Two of his biggest co-writing credits were B.o.B's 'Nothin' on You' and Travis McCoy's 'Billionaire', both of which were top 10 hits around the world. Mars capitalised on his success as a songwriter by releasing his debut solo EP entitled 'It's Better If You Don't Understand' , which featured the single 'The Other Side', with B.o.B and Cee Lo Green on vocals.

At the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards, Bruno Mars performed 'Airplanes' with B.o.B and Hayley Williams of the band Paramore.

Bruno Mars' debut album, entitled Doo-Wops & Hooligans, was released in October 2010. The lead single, 'Just the Way You Are' performed well in the US charts. Damian Marley features on the track 'Liquor Store Blues'. Following the release of the album, Mars planned a tour with Maroon 5 as well as dates with Travie McCoy.