In this episode of pplpod, we explore the life and career of Peter Gene Hernandez, the Honolulu-born superstar better known as Bruno Mars,. We track his incredible journey from performing as a four-year-old Elvis impersonator in his family’s band to becoming one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with over 150 million records sold worldwide,.

Join us as we break down:

• The Early Grind: How a move to Los Angeles led to being dropped by Motown, only to find initial success behind the scenes as a songwriter and producer with The Smeezingtons,.
• The Hits: His meteoric rise as a solo artist with chart-toppers like "Just the Way You Are," "Locked Out of Heaven," and the diamond-certified "Uptown Funk",.
• The Showmanship: How Mars blends pop, R&B, funk, and soul, channeling influences like James Brown and Michael Jackson to create his acclaimed retro aesthetic and live performances,,.
• The Collaborations: His formation of the superduo Silk Sonic with Anderson .Paak and his recent global domination with Lady Gaga on "Die with a Smile",.

We also discuss his record-breaking Las Vegas residencies, his 16 Grammy Awards, and the stories behind the man who became a 21st-century pop icon,,.