Bruno Mars Reveals His Untouchable Legends: The Three Icons Who Shaped His Musical Journey

Bruno Mars, a name synonymous with chart-topping hits, electrifying performances, and a unique blend of musical styles, is celebrated worldwide for his artistry. Yet, behind the glamour, the awards, and sold-out concerts, lies a deep respect for the legends who paved the way in music history. In a recent interview, Bruno Mars shared the three artists he considers “untouchable legends”, individuals whose influence and artistry shaped his own musical journey in profound ways. These legends are Prince, Michael Jackson, and James Brown—each of whom left an indelible mark on the music industry and on Bruno himself.

This article delves into Bruno Mars’ admiration for these iconic figures, exploring why he regards them as untouchable and how their artistry has inspired his own career.

The Concept of “Untouchable Legends”

When Bruno Mars refers to certain artists as “untouchable,” he does not merely speak of their fame or commercial success. Instead, he emphasizes the depth of their creativity, their impact on the music world, and their ability to set standards so high that even accomplished artists find it nearly impossible to rival them.

Bruno Mars’ acknowledgment of these legends demonstrates his humility and continuous desire to learn, despite being an award-winning artist himself. It also provides fans a rare insight into the influences that shaped his sound, performance style, and musical philosophy.

Prince: The Epitome of Limitless Creativity

Among the three legends, Prince stands out as Bruno Mars’ primary source of inspiration. Prince’s artistry is unparalleled, showcasing mastery in singing, songwriting, production, and instrumental performance. He redefined boundaries in music, fashion, and stage presence, creating an image that was both revolutionary and timeless.

Bruno Mars admires Prince not only for his technical skill but for his fearless approach to innovation. Prince never conformed to industry norms, continuously experimenting with genres, instrumentation, and visual presentation.

How Prince Influenced Bruno Mars

1. Musical Versatility: Prince seamlessly blended rock, funk, R&B, and pop—a quality Bruno has mirrored in his genre-hopping approach. Bruno has credited Prince for teaching him the importance of musical versatility and fearlessness in exploring new sounds.

2. Stage Presence and Charisma: Prince’s performances were electric, commanding the audience with confidence and style. Bruno Mars absorbed lessons on energy, connection, and stagecraft, applying them to his own live shows.

3. Innovative Spirit: Prince’s continuous reinvention inspired Bruno to value originality over conformity, pushing him to create music that resonates across generations.

Bruno Mars openly admits that Prince is a figure he can never fully compete with but can only aspire to emulate in terms of creativity and boldness.

Michael Jackson: The King of Entertainment

The second artist Bruno Mars considers untouchable is Michael Jackson, widely revered as the King of Pop. From a young age, Bruno studied Jackson’s performances, learning to integrate music, dance, and visual storytelling into a cohesive, captivating package.

What Bruno Learned from Michael Jackson

1. Stage Craft Excellence: Michael Jackson perfected the art of captivating audiences, combining intricate choreography with expressive music. Bruno adopted similar principles, ensuring that every concert he performs is an immersive experience.

2. Perfection in Production: Bruno has mentioned that Jackson’s attention to detail in every song and album influenced him to pursue excellence, not just commercially, but artistically.

3. Showmanship: Bruno draws from Jackson’s ability to entertain, creating performances that leave lasting impressions through energy, storytelling, and flair.

By viewing Jackson as an untouchable benchmark, Bruno Mars emphasizes the value of respecting artistic giants while forging one’s own path. He models his approach to music and performance on Jackson’s comprehensive mastery of entertainment.

James Brown: The Godfather of Soul

The third legend in Bruno Mars’ pantheon is James Brown, affectionately known as the Godfather of Soul. Brown’s electrifying energy, commanding presence, and rhythmic genius left a permanent mark on music history, influencing countless artists across genres.

The Impact of James Brown on Bruno Mars

1. Passion and Energy: James Brown’s performances were characterized by unmatched vitality and emotion. Bruno cites Brown’s passion as a blueprint for engaging audiences with intensity and authenticity.

2. Rhythmic Mastery: Brown taught generations of musicians, including Bruno, how to feel and manipulate rhythm. This understanding informs Bruno’s approach to groove, timing, and musical arrangement.

3. Showmanship and Emotional Connection: Beyond technical skill, Brown’s ability to connect emotionally with audiences inspired Bruno to prioritize feeling over flash, ensuring his performances resonate deeply with fans.

Through James Brown, Bruno Mars learned that music is more than notes and lyrics—it’s emotion, movement, and storytelling. Brown’s influence is evident in Bruno’s energetic dance routines, live instrumentation, and ability to bring audiences to their feet.

Why Bruno Mars Calls Them “Untouchable”

Bruno Mars’ use of the term “untouchable” is deliberate. It reflects a profound reverence for these legends’ skill, creativity, and impact. Even as a multi-Grammy-winning artist, Bruno recognizes that these icons achieved a level of mastery that remains aspirational.

This perspective highlights several important principles:

• Humility in Success: Despite his achievements, Bruno never loses sight of the giants whose shoulders he stands on.

• Continuous Learning: Bruno’s admiration fuels his desire to keep improving, experimenting, and refining his craft.

• Respect for Legacy: By acknowledging the contributions of Prince, Michael Jackson, and James Brown, Bruno emphasizes the importance of honoring musical heritage.

The Broader Message: Learning from the Legends

Bruno Mars’ reflections provide invaluable lessons for aspiring musicians and artists in any field:

1. Admire Without Imitating Completely: It’s essential to study and respect the work of legends while developing your own voice.

2. Inspiration Drives Innovation: By observing the creativity and performance style of these icons, Bruno learned how to innovate rather than copy.

3. Passion Over Popularity: Bruno focuses on music that resonates emotionally, much like James Brown, instead of solely chasing trends.

4. Perseverance and Dedication: The dedication of these legends motivates Bruno to continually push his boundaries.

These lessons are not limited to music. They extend to any profession where excellence, creativity, and legacy matter.

Bruno Mars Today: A Modern Legend in His Own Right

Today, Bruno Mars stands as a global icon in his own right. He combines the inventiveness of Prince, the perfectionism of Michael Jackson, and the energy of James Brown to create a unique sound and stage presence that captivates audiences worldwide.

From the Grammy-winning albums to his iconic live performances with Silk Sonic and solo tours, Bruno Mars proves that studying the greats is not about replication—it’s about internalizing lessons, respecting tradition, and building your own legacy.

Conclusion: The Untouchable Legacy of Influence

Bruno Mars’ acknowledgment of Prince, Michael Jackson, and James Brown as untouchable legends illustrates a rare humility and respect for musical history. Despite his own success, he continues to draw inspiration from these icons, allowing their artistry to inform but not define his own.

This approach underscores a key principle: true greatness is measured not just by personal achievements, but by one’s ability to learn from the legends and innovate beyond them.

Bruno Mars’ journey reminds us that admiration and respect for predecessors can coexist with originality, creativity, and success—ultimately shaping a new generation of untouchable legends.