Rhiannon Hendricks
Peter Gene Hernandez, known professionally as Bruno Mars, is an American singer, songwriter, musician, and record producer. Mars rose to fame as a recording artist after featuring on the US number-one single Nothin' on You by B.o.B. in 2009. In 2021, Mars was reportedly paid $3 million to perform at the wedding of the Motorola CEO's son on Cape Cod. In addition, Mars sang at his brother's wedding before he gained fame, performing an Alicia Keys song, If I Ain't Got You.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Real name | Peter Gene Hernandez |
| Date of birth | October 8, 1985 |
| Place of birth | Honolulu, Hawaii |
| Parents | Peter Hernandez and Bernadette San Pedro Bayot |
| Nickname origin | Named "Bruno" by his father due to his resemblance to professional wrestler Bruno Sammartino |
| Musical genres | Rock and roll, reggae, hip hop, rhythm and blues |
| Songwriting | Yes |
| Record producing | Yes |
| Live performances | Yes |
| Band | The Hooligans |
| Wedding singer | Yes |
| Wedding singer fee | $3 million |
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What You'll Learn
Bruno Mars sang at his brother's wedding
Yes, Bruno Mars sang at his brother's wedding. The singer, who was not famous at the time, performed an Alicia Keys song at the event. Mars grew up in a musical family in Hawaii, and his brother, Eric Hernandez, is the drummer for his backup band, The Hooligans.
Mars' father played in a band called the Love Notes until he and Mars' mother divorced when Mars was 12 years old. After the divorce, Mars, his brother, and his father lived in what has been described as the "slums of Hawaii." Despite facing bullying at school, Mars went on to become popular, in part due to his Elvis impersonations, which influenced his musical evolution and performing technique. He began playing the guitar, inspired by American rock guitarist Jimi Hendrix.
In 2010, Mars acknowledged the influence of his Hawaiian roots and musical family, stating, "Growing up in Hawaii made me the man I am. I used to do a lot of shows in Hawaii with my father's band. Everybody in my family sings; everyone plays instruments... I've just been surrounded by it." While attending high school in Honolulu, Mars sang in a group called the School Boys, which once opened for his father's new band.
In addition to performing at his brother's wedding, Mars has also been hired to perform at other people's weddings. In 2021, he was reportedly paid $3.2 million to perform at the Cape Cod wedding of the son of Motorola CEO Greg Brown.
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He was paid $3 million to perform at a wedding in 2021
Yes, Bruno Mars was a wedding singer for a day in 2021. The Grammy-winning artist was paid a whopping $3 million to perform at the wedding of socialite Troy Brown, son of Motorola CEO Greg Brown, and Kristin Ryan. The wedding was held at the luxurious Chatham Bars Inn on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and was described as a "very lavish event."
Mars' fee for the private event was upwards of $3 million, according to reports. This price may have been even higher depending on the length of his performance and the distance he had to travel. The singer's presence at the wedding certainly added a touch of Hollywood glamour to the already extravagant celebration.
Greg Brown, the father of the groom, is the chairman and chief executive officer of Motorola Solutions Inc., a data communications and telecommunications equipment provider worth a reported $40.2 billion. With a reported personal net worth of almost $80 million, it's no surprise that Brown was able to afford Mars' hefty performance fee.
Bruno Mars, with his soulful voice and chart-topping hits, is a sought-after performer for weddings and other exclusive events. His appearance at the Brown family wedding showcases the lengths to which some individuals will go to secure their dream entertainment for their special day. While the specific songs Mars performed at the wedding are not publicly known, one can imagine the happy couple and their guests dancing the night away to hits like "Just The Way You Are" and "24K Magic."
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Bruno Mars' career and early life
Born on October 8, 1985, in Honolulu, Hawaii, Peter Gene Hernandez, known professionally as Bruno Mars, is an American singer, songwriter, musician, and record producer. Mars's parents, who met while performing in a show, heavily influenced his career path. His father played percussion, and his mother was a hula dancer. Mars's uncle was also an Elvis Presley impersonator, which inspired the young Mars to perform Elvis impersonations himself. At the age of four, he was already performing with his family and doing Elvis impersonations.
Mars gained recognition in Hawaii as a child for his impersonations of Elvis Presley. After graduating from high school, he moved to Los Angeles in 2003 to pursue a musical career. Mars's breakthrough moment came when his sister played his demo tape to Mike Lynn, the head of the Dr. Dre record label. Lynn was so impressed that he wanted Mars to come to LA, which kickstarted his music career. Mars established himself in the music industry as a songwriter and co-founder of the production team, the Smeezingtons. He co-wrote and co-produced popular songs such as "Long Distance" (2008) for Brandy, "Right Round" (2009) for Flo Rida, and "Wavin' Flag" (2009) for K'Naan.
Mars rose to fame as a recording artist after featuring on the US number-one single "Nothin' on You" (2009) by B.o.B. He signed with the label Elektra in 2009 and released his first studio album, Doo-Wops & Hooligans, in 2010, which was a critical and commercial success. Mars has since released two more studio albums, Unorthodox Jukebox (2012) and 24K Magic (2016), both of which have been well-received. In addition to his solo career, Mars has also collaborated with other artists, such as Anderson .Paak, with whom he formed the R&B duo Silk Sonic.
Mars is known for his three-octave tenor vocal range, live performances, retro showmanship, and musical versatility. He is accompanied by his band, the Hooligans, and often wears outfits inspired by previous decades, matching that aesthetic to his music. Mars has received numerous awards for his work, including 15 Grammy Awards, seven 2017 American Music Awards, and multiple Soul Train Music Awards. He has also had a successful concert residency in Las Vegas and a world tour, with shows in Sydney and Tokyo.
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The cost to book Bruno Mars to perform at a wedding
Bruno Mars is a highly sought-after performer for weddings and other events. His musical style, which blends funk, reggae, R&B, pop, and soul, along with his captivating stage presence, makes him a desirable choice for creating an unforgettable experience.
The cost to book Bruno Mars for a wedding can vary, with an estimated starting range of $2.5 million to $6 million. However, the final booking price is contingent on several factors and can fluctuate due to popularity, career stage, and current demand. For example, Motorola CEO Greg Brown reportedly paid $3 million to secure Bruno Mars as the wedding singer at his son's wedding.
When considering the cost, it's important to factor in additional expenses beyond the performance fee. These can include travel costs, accommodation, transportation, and production requirements, such as equipment and staff. It is standard for the client to provide general food and beverage accommodations for the artist and their entourage during the event, and sometimes even from the day of their arrival to the day of departure.
Booking Bruno Mars for a wedding typically involves working with a talent agency or event planner. These intermediaries will negotiate on your behalf, presenting funded offers to Bruno Mars' management and working out the specific details and requirements for the performance. It is recommended to have a backup plan, as late bookings can be risky, and it's always beneficial to consult with professionals who are familiar with the process of booking celebrities.
To initiate the booking process, a deposit of 50% is usually required thirty to ninety days before the event, with the remaining 50% paid on the day of the wedding. It's important to note that some artists may require full payment upfront, depending on their notoriety and the scope of work.
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Bruno Mars' band and tours
Bruno Mars was indeed once a wedding singer. A video of him singing at his brother's wedding before he was famous was posted online in March 2021. More recently, in September 2021, he was reportedly hired as a wedding singer for the son of Motorola CEO Greg Brown at a "very lavish event", for a price of $3 million.
Bruno Mars was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, where he first gained exposure to music by playing rock and Motown covers in his family band, The Love Notes. By age five, the Elvis Presley impersonations he performed with the band had gained him a reputation on the island, even landing him a cameo in the 1992 film Honeymoon in Vegas. After high school, Mars moved to Los Angeles to pursue music, initially finding success as a member of The Smeezingtons, the writing and production team behind Flo Rida's 2009 hit "Right Round".
His first success as a solo artist came in 2010 with "Nothing On You", a collaboration with rapper B.o.B. that peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned the duo several Grammy nominations. Mars' debut album, 2010's Doo-Wops & Hooligans, landed at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and contained two worldwide No. 1 singles, "Just the Way You Are" and "Grenade".
Mars has since become a highly successful solo artist, with multiple sold-out tours and numerous awards under his belt. He has also collaborated with various artists, including Lady Gaga on "Die With A Smile", ROSÉ on "APT.", and Sexyy Red on "Fat Juicy & Wet". Mars' official website allows fans to customize their notifications for tour dates near their hometown, birthday wishes, or special discounts in the online store.
As of 2025, Bruno Mars has concert tour dates listed on Ticketmaster, with shows in Las Vegas, Nevada, at the Dolby Live arena.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Bruno Mars was a hired wedding singer at a wedding held on Cape Cod in 2021.
He was reportedly paid $3 million to perform at the wedding.
It was the wedding of the Motorola CEO's son.
Yes, Bruno Mars sang at his brother's wedding before he was famous.
He sang "If I Ain't Got You" by Alicia Keys.
