Lasting Legacy of Bruno Mars: A Look at the Influence on History

A closer look at the lasting mark left by Bruno Mars—a timeline of influence.

Bruno Mars (Peter Gene Hernandez) is a highly acclaimed American singer-songwriter, musician, and record producer. Renowned for his dynamic stage presence, retro showmanship, and versatile musical style, Mars seamlessly blends pop, R&B, funk, soul, reggae, and rock elements in his work. He performs with his band, the Hooligans. In 2021, he formed Silk Sonic with Anderson .Paak, further cementing his position as a prominent figure in contemporary music.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1984: Prince performs 'Purple Rain'

In 1984, Prince performed 'Purple Rain', later influencing Bruno Mars' showmanship through performance videos.

2011: Music Week's Best Songwriters

In 2011, Bruno Mars was recognized on Music Week's best-songwriters list.

2013: Defined as the "Most Valuable Pop Historian"

In 2013, NPR Music writer Ann Powers defined Bruno Mars as "the most valuable pop historian" at the time.

2016: Called "The Prince of Pop Music" by BET

In 2016, Damien Scott writing for BET called Bruno Mars "the prince of pop music".

2017: Recognized by Guinness World Records

In 2017, Bruno Mars was recognized by Guinness World Records as the "First Male Artist to achieve three 10-million-selling-singles".

2017: Credited for Bringing Retro Pop and R&B Back to Modern Music

In 2017, Fuse TV credited Bruno Mars for bringing the "funkalicious vibes of retro pop and R&B back to modern music".

2018: Longest Success Streak in Pop Music During the 2010s

In 2018, Billboard wrote that no male artist in pop music during the 2010s has enjoyed a longer success streak than Bruno Mars.

2019: Ranked on Billboard's Greatest of All Time Artists List

In 2019, Billboard ranked Bruno Mars at number 41 on its list of Greatest of All Time Artists.

2019: Billboard's Greatest of All Time Artists

In 2019, Bruno Mars was included on Billboard's Greatest of All Time Artists list.

2019: "Uptown Funk's" Success Solidified Kingly Pop Stature

In 2019, Margaret Farrell from Stereogum affirmed that "Uptown Funk"'s success solidified Bruno Mars's "kingly pop stature".

2019: Placed on "Icons of the Decade" list

In 2019, iHeartRadio Canada placed Bruno Mars on theirs "Icons of the Decade" of the 2010s.

2021: Ranked Among Top Artists and Touring Artists of the 2010s

In 2021, Billboard named Bruno Mars the third Top Artist of the 2010s and 14 on the list of Top Touring Artists of the 2010s.

2021: Dominant Force in Popular Culture for More Than a Decade

In 2021, WBLS stated that Bruno Mars "has been a dominant force in popular culture for more than a decade".

2023: Ranked Thirteenth Best Vocalist of the 21st Century

In 2023, The Times ranked Bruno Mars as the thirteenth best vocalist of the 21st century among 20.

2024: Numbered Among the Greatest Pop Stars of the 21st Century

In 2024, Billboard numbered Bruno Mars the 20th Greatest Pop Stars of the 21st Century.