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 an acclaimed American singer-songwriter, musician, and record producer celebrated for his dynamic live performances, retro showmanship, and impressive three-octave tenor vocal range. Accompanied by his band, the Hooligans, Mars is considered a pop icon. He began his career in Honolulu, gaining attention as a child Elvis Presley impersonator. He relocated to Los Angeles in 2003 to pursue a professional music career, eventually achieving global recognition for his musical talent and stage presence.

Sections (6)

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

1984: Inspiration from Prince's "Purple Rain" performance

Bruno Mars draws inspiration from various artists for his performances, including Prince. Before shows, he watches Prince performing "Purple Rain", originally released in 1984.

2010: Acknowledging Hawaiian Roots

In 2010, Bruno Mars acknowledged his Hawaiian roots and musical family as a significant influence on his life and music.

2011: Featured on Music Week's best-songwriters

In 2011, Bruno Mars was featured on Music Week's best-songwriters list, solidifying his status as a prominent figure in the music industry.

2013: Categorization Difficulties

In 2013, Bruno Mars shared with Rolling Stone that record executives had difficulty categorizing him, unsure about which radio stations would play his songs or which audience (Black or white) he would appeal to, due to his mixed-race background.

2013: Called the most valuable pop historian

In 2013, NPR Music writer Ann Powers called Bruno Mars "the most valuable pop historian" of the time, recognizing his ability to revive and modernize past musical styles.

2014: Partnered to establish Grammy Camp Scholarship Fund

In 2014, Bruno Mars partnered with the Hawai'i Community Foundation and the Grammy Foundation to establish a Grammy Camp Scholarship Fund for qualified needs-based applicants from Hawaii in honor of his mother.

2016: Called the prince of pop music

In 2016, BET's Damien Scott called Bruno Mars "the prince of pop music", highlighting his prominent status in the pop music scene.

September 27, 2017: Expanded Grammy Camp Scholarship to national applicants

On September 27, 2017, Bruno Mars expanded his camp scholarship to applicants from throughout the United States, after initially partnering with the Hawai'i Community Foundation and the Grammy Foundation in 2014 to establish a Grammy Camp Scholarship Fund for qualified needs-based applicants from Hawaii.

2017: Credited with bringing retro pop and R&B back to modern music

In 2017, Fuse TV credited Bruno Mars with bringing the "funkalicious vibes of retro pop and R&B back to modern music", solidifying his influence on contemporary music.

2018: Recognized as having a long success streak in pop music

In 2018, a Billboard article stated that no male artist in pop music during the 2010s had had a longer success streak than Bruno Mars, affirming his consistent achievements.

2019: Billboard Greatest All-Time Artists

In 2019, Billboard ranked Bruno Mars number 41 on its list of greatest all-time artists, acknowledging his lasting impact and success in the music industry.

2019: "Uptown Funk"'s success solidified his kingly pop stature

In 2019, Margaret Farrell of Stereogum said that "Uptown Funk"'s success solidified Bruno Mars's "kingly pop stature", marking a significant point in his career.

2019: iHeartRadio Canada Icon of the Decade

In 2019, iHeartRadio Canada listed Bruno Mars as one of its "Icons of the Decade."

2021: Billboard Top Artist of the 2010s

In 2021, Billboard ranked Bruno Mars as the third Top Artist of the 2010s and 14th on its list of Top Touring Artists of the 2010s, solidifying his status as a major musical force of the decade.

2021: Acknowledged as a dominant force in popular culture

In 2021, WBLS recognized that Bruno Mars "has been a dominant force in popular culture for more than a decade", emphasizing his lasting impact.

2022: Named co-chair for the Grammy Museum's Campaign for Music Education

In 2022, Bruno Mars, along with other artists, was named a co-chair for the Grammy Museum's Campaign for Music Education to raise funds for the museum's educational programs, aiming to provide free access to music education for young people and students.