The Untold Story Of Bruno Mars' Parents & Musical Roots

Richie Armstrong 18 May 2025

Ever wonder where Bruno Mars, the electrifying performer, gets his groove? It all begins with a fascinating blend of heritage and the unwavering support of his parents, Bernadette San Pedro Bayot and Peter Hernandez.

Bruno Mars, the stage name for Peter Gene Hernandez, owes a significant part of his success to the nurturing environment cultivated by his parents. Growing up in Honolulu, Hawaii, in a household filled with music, Bruno had the perfect foundation to hone his talents. In a 2013 interview, he fondly recalled how his father always kept instruments around the house. "My dad was a drummer, but for some reason, he would buy guitars and pianos just to have in the house, and [it] kinda became my habitat," he shared, highlighting the immersive musical landscape of his childhood.

Category	Information
Full Name	Peter Gene Hernandez
Stage Name	Bruno Mars
Date of Birth	October 8, 1985
Birth Place	Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
Parents	Bernadette San Pedro Bayot (Mother, Deceased) and Peter Hernandez (Father)
Siblings	Eric Hernandez, Presley Hernandez, Tiara Hernandez, Jaime Hernandez, Tahiti Hernandez
Partner	Jessica Caban
Occupation	Singer, Songwriter, Musician, Dancer, Record Producer
Genres	Pop, R&B, Funk, Soul, Hip Hop
Instruments	Vocals, Guitar, Piano, Drums
Years Active	2004present
Associated Acts	The Smeezingtons, Mark Ronson, Anderson .Paak (Silk Sonic)
Awards	Multiple Grammy Awards, American Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards, Brit Awards
Website	brunomars.com

Peter Hernandez, Bruno's father, is of Puerto Rican and Filipino descent, while his mother, Bernadette "Berni" San Pedro Bayot, was of Filipino, with some English, Irish, Spanish and German ancestry. This diverse heritage undoubtedly contributed to Bruno's eclectic musical style, blending various genres and influences seamlessly. Bernadette, born in Manila, Philippines, moved to Hawaii with her family in 1968. She was a singer herself, adding to the musical atmosphere in their home. Peter, a drummer, further enriched this environment, ensuring that music was always a central part of their children's lives.

Bruno Mars grew up in a large musical family in Hawaii, surrounded by his siblings Eric, Presley, Tiara, Jaime, and Tahiti. This close-knit family provided him with a strong support system as he pursued his musical ambitions. Even at a young age, Bruno displayed a natural talent for performing, captivating audiences with his charisma and energy. In fact, he began entertaining in Honolulu at the age of four, impersonating Elvis Presley with his parents support. His parents even had no idea, at first, that their plump cute boy is an artist with future.

Tragically, after several years of marriage and six children, Bruno Mars parents divorced. Despite the challenges this presented, both Bernadette and Peter remained committed to their children, ensuring they felt loved and supported. Even after their separation, they continued to play a significant role in Bruno's life and career. When Bruno was a preteen, his parents divorced, and he and his brother Eric went to live with their father, Peter.

Brunos father, Eric Hernandez, cared about his sons music education. Peter, in particular, was instrumental in nurturing Bruno's talents, providing guidance and encouragement every step of the way. As Bruno's career began to take off, his parents were his biggest cheerleaders, celebrating his successes and offering unwavering support during challenging times. Bruno Mars's parents, Peter and Bernadette, supported his musical career and gave him his style and heart.

In a 2017 article for HuffPost, genealogical expert Megan Smolenyak delved into Bruno's family tree, revealing a fascinating tapestry of cultures and backgrounds. This exploration highlighted the rich heritage that has shaped Bruno Mars into the artist he is today. As seen in this photo, continental blending in Brunos family began a long time ago.

Bruno Mars was born on October 8, 1985, in Honolulu, Hawaii. At birth, he received the name Peter Gene Hernandez, named after his dad, but eventually embraced Bruno Mars as a stage name at the early stage of his career to seem more American.

Bernadette San Pedro Bayot, Bruno's mother, passed away on June 1, 2013, at the age of 55, due to a brain aneurysm at a medical center in Honolulu. Bruno was deeply affected by her sudden passing, expressing his gratitude for the outpouring of love and support during that difficult time. Bruno spoke about the sudden death of his mother, saying so thankful for all the love during the most difficult time in my life."

Bruno Mars has four tattoos on his body, a gypsy, an anchor, and two on his upper forearms, which are dedicated to his lovely parents. On his right forearm is his late mothers name, Bernadette, written in a red heart, and on his left forearm are the words Petes Boy as a tribute to Bruno Mars father Pete Hernandez.

Despite facing challenges such as homelessness and rejection, Bruno Mars passion for music and the support of his family led to his breakthrough. His parents influence extends beyond his musical abilities; they instilled in him a strong work ethic, a deep appreciation for his heritage, and an unwavering belief in himself.

His parents were musicians and performers at various Waikiki stage shows. Bruno Mars is an American singer who is known for his hit singles including just the way you are, uptown funk, 24k magic, and the lazy song, all of which have more than 1 billion views on YouTube.

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