Bruno Mars

My Hero Project: Bruno Mars

Bruno Mars is an American singer, dancer, songwriter, and musician who has numerous awards in the music industry. Born Peter Hernandez on October 8^th, 1985 in Hawaii, Bruno Mars is multi-time Grammy Award winning artist. Initially, Mars was a featured artist on popular songs in the early 2010’s such as: “Nothin’ on You” and “Billionaire”. Mars released his first solo album, Doo-Wops & Hooligans, in 2010. His first album was an amazing success with songs like “Grenade”, “Mary You”, “The Lazy Song”, and “Just the Way You Are” garnering numerous accolades and awards. In 2011, he released “It Will Rain” as a song that is a part of the soundtrack for the popular movie The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1. Bruno Mars released his second studio album, Unorthodox Jukebox, in 2012; this album consisted of hits such as “Locked out of Heaven”, “When I Was Your Man”, and “Treasure”. Because of the immense amount of success Bruno Mars experienced in his career so far, he was given the job of performing the Super Bowl XLVIII halftime show. Mars’ halftime show was the most watched halftime show in the history of the Super Bowl until Katy surpassed it the following year. In 2014, Mars and Mark Ronson released the single “Uptown Funk” which would reach number 1 in numerous countries around the world. Due to the massive success of “Uptown Funk”, Mars performed in the Super Bowl halftime show for a second time in three years, in Super Bowl 50. Bruno Mars released his most recent album, 24K Magic, in 2016. This album consisted of singles like “Finesse”, “That’s What I Like”, “24K Magic”, and “Versace on the Floor”. Each of his three albums has different artistic influences and themes attached to them. Doo-Wops & Hooligans possesses more soulful, romance ballads which can be seen in “Just the Way You Are”. Unorthodox Jukebox has a variety of different sounds varying from reggae roots, rock, pop, as well as romance ballads. However, 24K Magic is deeply influenced Funk, R&B, and soul while having themes of partying, money, and other kinds of fun.

Bruno Mars is one of the top musical artists in the modern music era. He travels and performs with his personal eight-piece band named The Hooligans, whom serve as backup dancers and singers that play numerous instruments from bass guitar to the trumpet. The Hooligans and Bruno Mars incorporate numerous dance sequences with his band throughout his shows, as well as silky-smooth vocals. Mars has an incredible voice and singing ability that can rival anyone in the music industry today. Furthermore, Mars possesses a certain charisma and showmanship that encapsulates the attention of people of all ethnic backgrounds and of all ages across the globe. He is the quintessence of a true entertainer in the music industry. This level of showmanship causes each Bruno Mars concert to be filled with electrifying energy. Each time you see him perform, live or on TV, his performance can’t help but bring a smile to anyone’s face and make them want to dance like nobody is watching.

Usually, the term hero is reserved for extraordinary individuals in society who sacrifice incredible amounts to help change their world for the better. However, there are many reasons why I believe Bruno Mars can be considered a hero in today’s society in the 21^st century. Music is a method in which people can convey their messages, ideas, and beliefs to the world, much like writing. Music has the power to bring people together. Music and dancing is used by people, myself included, to relieve the stresses of a day and to calm themselves. Many of his songs have helped me trudge through the tedium of high school and being a teenager, and overall makes me a happier person whenever I hear one of his songs. Mars helps inspire feelings of happiness with most of his songs, whether it is about love (“Just The Way You Are”) or simply about living an extravagant, rich, partying lifestyle (the entire 24K Magic album), that help people lift their spirits up. Bruno Mars and his music help bring others together from all different backgrounds under one roof. I saw this firsthand when my friend and I attended one of his concerts last September. When we walked in and reached our seats before the concert started, we saw people in every shape, size, gender, race, and age. Once the lights were turned off and the show began, the energy in the stadium was incredible, and it is a night my friend and I will not forget for a long, long time. He opened the show by explaining that, at his last show in Memphis, the crowd was dancing, sweating, and having a party with them. As the concert continued, everywhere I turned I saw people dancing together, enjoying life, and forgetting about all their troubles in life for a few hours. People were laughing, smiling, and enjoying each-others’ company. In fact, Mars said throughout his show for the audience to please put their phones away and enjoy the moment. This concert truly brought about a feeling of unity and togetherness for the entire building. I feel that these examples are reasons why Bruno Mars can truly be considered a hero. In a time where technology and politics build up barriers that divide people in society, it is important to have a beacon of hope that good times still exist in the world and that people can still enjoy one another’s company. It was at his concert that I really understood this. For three or so hours, there was no social media, no politics, no protests, and no hatred. It was thousands of people living in the moment and enjoying life and those around them, because life can be taken from anyone in an instant without any warning. It was an incredible feeling to be a part of.

This personal experience shares a glimpse into the type of positive impact Bruno Mars can have on a community. His musical style and showmanship inspires feelings of joy and other positive emotions. He reminds people with his music to enjoy life while you have it, to dance, and to not taking your friends and family for granted. His music reminds listeners that life does not always have to be stressful and serious, and that it can be a party. It is because of this philosophy that Bruno Mars stands out in a world where animosity, division, and discrimination are rampant. His music attempts to break down these barriers and encourage people to have a good time together as one unified group. This can be clearly seen if you attend one of his concerts. It is for these many reasons that I believe that Bruno Mars can be considered a truly influential hero in today’s society.