Born Peter Gene Hernandez in Honolulu, Hawaii, in 1985, the multi-talented singer, songwriter, and producer has captivated audiences worldwide with his electrifying performances and a sound that effortlessly blends pop, RandB, funk, and soul.
In honor of his special day, let’s celebrate his remarkable career by revisiting 10 of his most instantly recognizable and beloved songs.
Die With a Smile (2025)
Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars accept the Best Pop Duo/Group Performance Award for “Die with a Smile” onstage during the 67th Annual GRAMMY Awards at Crypto.com Arena on February 02, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)
In a year of remarkable collaborations, Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga delivered one of the most talked-about hits. “Die With a Smile” showcases a perfect blend of their artistic styles, with a powerful pop ballad that has resonated with audiences worldwide. The song has quickly climbed the charts, adding yet another iconic hit to Mars’ already impressive discography. The song has more than 3 billion streams on Spotify.
When I Was Your Men (2013)
Bruno Mars performs during the Pepsi Super Bowl XLVIII Halftime Show at MetLife Stadium on February 2, 2014 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
A poignant and heartbreaking piano ballad, “When I Was Your Man” showcases Mars’ raw vulnerability. The lyrics tell the story of a man filled with regret over a past love, and his powerful, emotive vocals made the song an instant hit. Since its release in 2013, it remains one of his most powerful and widely acclaimed emotional performances.
The Lazy Song (2011)
Musician Bruno Mars poses in media room at The GRAMMY Nominations Concert Live! Countdown to Music’s Biggest Night at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on November 30, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images
A complete shift in tone, “The Lazy Song” is a lighthearted and relatable ode to doing absolutely nothing. Its simple, acoustic guitar-driven melody and humorous lyrics resonated with anyone who has ever wanted to spend a day “in my birthday suit and I’m a-gettin’ high.” The playful music video, featuring Mars and a group of friends in monkey masks, became a viral sensation.
Just the Way You Are (2010)
Musician Bruno Mars, winner of the Best Male Pop Vocal Performance award for “Just The Way You Are” poses in the press room at The 53rd Annual GRAMMY Awards held at Staples Center on February 13, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
This heartwarming ballad was the song that introduced many to Bruno Mars as a solo artist. With its simple, yet profound message of unconditional love, “Just the Way You Are” became an instant classic. Its gentle piano melody and sincere vocals made it a staple at weddings and a favorite for anyone looking for a feel-good anthem.
Locked Out of Heaven (2012)
Bruno Mars performs onstage at iHeartRadio Live Presents Bruno Mars at the iHeartRadio Theater on December 11, 2012 in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for iHeart Radio)
Inspired by new wave and reggae rock, this high-energy track was a departure from his earlier sound. With its infectious beat and funky guitar riffs, “Locked Out of Heaven” became a major commercial success, topping charts globally. The song’s retro-infused sound and powerful chorus made it a staple at live shows and a fan favorite.
APT. (2024)
Bruno Mars attends the 67th Annual GRAMMY Awards at Crypto.com Arena on February 02, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)
In late 2024, Bruno Mars teamed up with BLACKPINK’s Rosé for “APT.,” a track that has since become a global sensation. The song, which cleverly incorporates the rhythmic chant from a popular Korean drinking game, is a vibrant and infectious blend of pop, funk, and K-pop energy. “APT.” shot to the top of charts worldwide, spending weeks at number one on the Billboard Global 200 and setting records for streaming. The song’s success is a testament to Mars’s ability to seamlessly collaborate across cultures and genres. The song has more than 2.000 million streams on Spotify.
24K Magic (2016)
Singer Bruno Mars performs onstage during 102.7 KIIS FM’s Jingle Ball 2016 presented by Capital One at Staples Center on December 2, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for iHeartMedia)
The title track from his Grammy-winning album, “24K Magic” is a vibrant, party-starting anthem that embodies Mars’ signature showmanship. The song is a celebration of luxury and good times, with a heavy dose of funk and hip-hop. Its catchy chorus and infectious beat made it a go-to song for dance floors and celebrations everywhere.
That’s What I Like (2017)
Bruno Mars performs onstage at 2017 BET Awards at Microsoft Theater on June 25, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BET)
Another smash hit from the “24K Magic” album, “That’s What I Like” is a smooth, R&B-infused track with a relaxed and confident vibe. The song’s catchy melody and witty lyrics about living a lavish lifestyle resonated with listeners, earning it a Grammy for Song of the Year. Its simple yet effective music video, featuring Mars dancing and interacting with animated drawings, became instantly recognizable.
Talking to the Moon
Musician Bruno Mars performs during Z100’s Jingle Ball 2010 at Madison Square Garden on December 10, 2010 in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images)
While many artists struggle to keep a song relevant for a single year, Bruno Mars saw a track from his 2010 debut album find a whole new audience over a decade later. “Talking to the Moon,” a poignant pop and R&B ballad about loneliness and a failed relationship, unexpectedly went viral on social media.
Uptown Funk (2014)
Beyonce, Chris Martin of Coldplay and Bruno Mars perform during Super Bowl 50 at Levi’s Stadium on February 7, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
A collaboration with Mark Ronson, “Uptown Funk” is arguably Mars’ most iconic and recognizable hit. The song is a masterful tribute to 80s funk and R&B, with its undeniable groove and slick production. The track dominated global charts, won a Grammy Award for Record of the Year, and became a cultural phenomenon with its catchy hooks and stylish music video.
