The Legendary Guitarist Who Changed Bruno Mars’ Life—And It’s Not Who You Think!

Bruno Mars, born Peter Gene Hernandez on October 8, 1985, in Honolulu, Hawaii, is a musical genius who has crafted some of the most unforgettable hits of our time. His early life was steeped in music, with his father, Pete Hernandez, a Latin percussionist, and his mother, Bernadette Hernandez, a Filipina vocalist and hula dancer. Growing up in this vibrant environment, Mars began performing at the young age of four, initially as an Elvis Presley impersonator, before expanding his repertoire to include Michael Jackson. As he grew older, Mars taught himself to play a variety of instruments, including the piano, bass, percussion, and—most notably—the guitar.

While many may assume that the legendary guitarist Jimi Hendrix is the one who inspired Mars to pick up the guitar, the real story is a bit more nuanced. In fact, it wasn’t just any guitarist who sparked Mars’ passion—it was Hendrix himself, the musical icon whose groundbreaking guitar techniques and unmatched showmanship would leave a permanent mark on Mars’ life.

The Hendrix Influence: A Shaped Sound

According to multiple sources, including Biography.com and Rio Wiki, it was Jimi Hendrix’s mastery of the guitar that inspired Mars to learn the instrument. Mars himself has publicly acknowledged this connection, noting in various interviews that Hendrix was his key musical inspiration when it came to playing guitar. This inspiration reached a peak in 2023, when Mars announced his partnership with Fender to create the “Bruno Mars Stratocaster,” a signature guitar featuring a leopard print strap that serves as an homage to both Hendrix and Prince.

Mars, however, has been quick to downplay his skills as a traditional guitarist. “I don’t think of myself as a guitar player. Every song is like a puzzle you have to solve, and a good guitar can bring something out of you that can help take you to the finish line,” he said. This reflects the profound yet subtle role the guitar plays in his music—something he approaches with reverence but not with the technical precision of a trained guitarist like Hendrix.

Family Influence: A Supportive Foundation

While Jimi Hendrix may have ignited Mars’ desire to play guitar, it’s essential to recognize the role of Mars’ family in shaping his musical abilities. His father, Pete Hernandez, a talented musician in his own right, likely played a role in teaching his son the technical aspects of the instrument, as indicated by sources like Answers.com. However, this is more about the mechanics of playing rather than Mars’ initial passion for the guitar, which was undoubtedly inspired by Hendrix.

Mars’ early performances with his family band, The Love Notes, gave him a diverse musical foundation that included influences from Motown, doo-wop, and beyond. His years of exposure to these styles at a young age, coupled with his father’s guidance, certainly played a part in shaping his musical versatility. But when it comes to his guitar-playing inspiration, it’s clear that Hendrix holds the lion’s share of credit.

A Mixture of Musical Legends

While Hendrix stands out as the key figure who made Mars want to play guitar, Mars has also cited a range of other musical legends as influences on his overall sound and performance style. These include James Brown, Prince, and Michael Jackson—icons who shaped Mars’ dynamic stage presence and genre-blending approach to music. Mars’ love for these artists is undeniable, as he has expressed time and again that it’s their work that paved the way for his own musical success.

In a 2021 interview with The Breakfast Club, Mars emphatically stated, “The only reason why I’m here is because of James Brown, is because of Prince, Michael [Jackson]… that’s it.” But it’s important to distinguish that these influences are more related to his performance style and musical taste rather than his decision to pick up the guitar.

Conclusion: The Guitar’s True Legacy

Through an examination of various sources, we can see that Jimi Hendrix’s influence is the cornerstone of Bruno Mars’ guitar journey. While his father and other family members may have taught him the technical skills, it was Hendrix who inspired him to embrace the instrument as an essential part of his musical expression.

The release of the Bruno Mars Stratocaster in 2023 not only solidifies Hendrix’s lasting impact on Mars but also underscores the connection between the two artists. The legacy of Hendrix lives on in Mars’ music, but Mars has carved out his own space, blending influences and charting a path that resonates across generations. In a way, the guitar that Mars now plays pays tribute to the legendary figure who set him on this course—but it’s also a symbol of Mars’ ongoing evolution as an artist.

So, the next time you hear Bruno Mars’ iconic tracks, remember: behind every riff and chord, there’s a hint of Hendrix’s magic shaping the sound of one of the most dynamic performers of our time.