Bruno Mars, the global superstar known for his electrifying performances and chart-topping hits, didn’t emerge from a vacuum. His extraordinary talent is deeply rooted in his family, a vibrant tapestry of musicality and shared dreams. Growing up in Honolulu, Hawaii, Bruno, born Peter Gene Hernandez, was immersed in a world where music wasn’t just entertainment; it was a way of life. This article delves into the fascinating story of the Bruno Mars Family, exploring the lives and careers of his siblings – Jaime, Tiara, Tahiti, Presley, and Eric – and how they’ve each carved their own paths while remaining a close-knit unit.
Growing Up in a Hawaiian Musical Paradise
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Bruno Mars and his sisters in their childhood days, showcasing their early bond.
The story of the Bruno Mars family begins with his parents, Peter and Bernadette Hernandez. Peter, with his Brooklyn roots and musical ambitions, met Bernadette, who had moved from the Philippines to Hawaii. Their shared passion for music ignited a family legacy. Hawaii, with its laid-back atmosphere and rich cultural traditions, became the perfect backdrop for raising their six children, including Bruno’s cousin Jaime who was raised as one of their own.
“Hawaii is a special place,” Bruno Mars once shared with CNN, reflecting on his childhood. His memories are filled with family, beach outings, and the simple joys of island life. This upbringing instilled in him a strong sense of family and community, values that are evident in his relationships with his siblings today.
The Stage Was Set at Home: A Family of Performers
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The Hernandez siblings: Tahiti, Presley, Eric, Tiara, and Jaime, highlighting their close familial ties.
Music wasn’t just a hobby in the Hernandez household; it was the air they breathed. Instruments, karaoke machines, and jukeboxes were commonplace, creating a constant symphony within their home. Peter and Bernadette, professional musicians themselves with their show “The Love Notes,” naturally involved their children in their performances at the Sheraton Waikiki hotel. From a young age, Bruno, along with some of his siblings, was performing six nights a week, honing his skills and stage presence. Bruno’s early Elvis Presley impersonations became a local sensation, marking the beginning of his journey towards stardom.
“My dad was just a sharp businessman,” Bruno explained to Vibe magazine, acknowledging his father’s entrepreneurial spirit in creating their family show. This immersive experience in the family band provided invaluable training and instilled a deep work ethic in Bruno and his siblings, shaping their future endeavors in the entertainment industry.
Brotherly Bond Forged in Hardship: Bruno and Eric’s Journey
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Bruno Mars and his brother Eric Hernandez, demonstrating their strong brotherly connection.
Life took a turn when Bruno’s parents divorced during his preteen years. Bruno and his brother Eric moved in with their father, Peter. This period presented significant challenges. With the family show disbanded, financial stability became precarious, and housing was uncertain. The brothers faced periods of homelessness, sometimes living in unconventional places like rooftops or cars.
“My dad was just the king of finding these little spots for us to stay that we should never have been staying at,” Bruno recounted in a 60 Minutes interview. Despite the hardships, Bruno remembers this time fondly. The shared struggle strengthened the bond between Bruno and Eric. This resilience and “figure-it-out” mentality, born from those tough times, became a driving force in Bruno’s approach to music and life.
Bruno, The Protective Brother: A Family First
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The Lylas sisters, Jaime, Tahiti, Tiara, and Presley, highlighting their sisterly unity and talent.
Bruno’s sisters – Jaime, Tiara, Tahiti, and Presley – describe him as incredibly protective. This protectiveness extends beyond typical sibling dynamics; it’s rooted in deep care and support for their individual well-being and careers. During a lighthearted appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, The Lylas joked about Bruno’s well-intentioned but sometimes overbearing advice, highlighting his caring nature.
This protectiveness isn’t about control; it stems from a place of love and wanting the best for his sisters. It underscores the strong family values that are central to the Bruno Mars family narrative.
Jaime: The Sister Who Sparked Bruno’s Big Break
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Bruno Mars achieving global recognition and his sister Jaime Kailani, who played a crucial role in his early career.
While Bruno’s talent was undeniable, his path to mainstream success was significantly influenced by his sister Jaime. After years of performing in Hawaii, Bruno was ready to take his music career to Los Angeles. Jaime, who was already living in L.A. as a handbag designer, became instrumental in his initial breakthrough.
Bruno sent Jaime his demo tape, which she then passed on to Mike Lynn, an executive at Dr. Dre’s Aftermath Entertainment. Despite Bruno’s own self-deprecating assessment of his early demo, Lynn recognized raw potential. This pivotal moment, facilitated by Jaime, led to Bruno’s move to L.A. and the beginning of his professional music career. Jaime’s belief in her brother and her proactive support were crucial in launching Bruno Mars into the music industry.
Eric: From Law Enforcement to The Hooligans’ Drumbeat
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Bruno Mars performing alongside his brother Eric Hernandez, showcasing their musical synergy.
Eric, Bruno’s brother, shared the same musical upbringing, mastering the drums from a young age. He also moved to Los Angeles to pursue music but faced initial setbacks. He then took a detour into law enforcement, working as a police officer for nearly a decade. However, music was always in his blood.
When Bruno arrived in L.A. and started gaining traction, he asked Eric to join him. Eric made a life-altering decision, leaving his stable career to rejoin the world of music. This leap of faith proved to be transformative. Eric became the drummer for Bruno’s backing band, The Hooligans. For Eric, playing drums behind his brother is not a compromise but a source of immense pride and fulfillment. He thrives in supporting Bruno’s vision and contributing to the electrifying energy of their performances.
The Lylas: Sisters United in Song
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The Lylas sisters – Tahiti, Presley, Tiara, and Jaime – at an event, demonstrating their collective endeavors.
Bruno’s four sisters, already seasoned performers from their family shows, decided to pursue their musical aspirations as a group. A song recorded for Jaime’s charity, Mama Earth, reignited their collective dream. They formed The Lylas (Love You Like A Sister), dedicating themselves to music full-time.
Their journey was documented in a reality show of the same name, which aired on WE tv. The show captured their move from Hawaii to L.A., their struggles to break into the music industry, and the profound impact of their mother’s sudden passing. Despite being Bruno Mars’ sisters, they were determined to forge their own path and prove their individual talent. The Lylas released original music, including “Voices,” penned by Bruno, showcasing their harmonies and individual vocal strengths.
Family Life Beyond the Stage: Children and New Chapters
The Bruno Mars family tree continues to grow, with most of Bruno’s siblings now having families of their own. Eric and his wife Cindia are parents to Liam, Mila, and Vida. Jaime and her husband Jesse have Marley and Jaimeson. Presley and her husband Kealoha have three children as well. Tahiti and her husband, surfer Billy Kemper, have four sons – Nyjah, Zyah, Haze, and Lion, with two even starting their own music group, carrying on the family tradition.
These growing families highlight the importance of family bonds within the Bruno Mars family. Despite their individual careers and paths, family remains a central anchor in their lives.
Evolving Careers, Enduring Family Ties
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Bruno Mars’ siblings Tahiti, Presley, Eric, and Tiara, illustrating their continued connection.
While The Lylas eventually disbanded and the sisters moved away from the entertainment industry, their entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to their passions remain. Tahiti and Presley are now in the fitness industry in Hawaii. Tahiti owns Uproar Fitness, and Presley works as a personal trainer. Jaime runs J’AIME, a natural products boutique, and the Mama Earth foundation. Tiara is a music teacher, surfer, and host of Roxy’s podcast series, and founder of the Keikichella music festival for children.
Each sibling has found success and fulfillment in their chosen fields, demonstrating the diverse talents within the Bruno Mars family. Their stories are a testament to their upbringing, their individual drive, and the enduring strength of their family connections. The Bruno Mars family story is not just about a famous musician; it’s about a family deeply rooted in music, resilience, and unwavering support for one another, proving that family truly is the foundation of everything.
