The Bruno Mars Autograph

Long before he became an international superstar, long before being tapped to sing at the Super Bowl 2014, Hawaii’s Bruno Mars plied the showrooms of Waikiki as a child star Elvis impersonator. Even then, his talents were evident, which caused your host, after viewing the “Baby Elvis” in action in the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel’s Esprit lounge, to ask for an autograph. Alas, the four-year-old Bruno could only scrawl his printed name, too young for a flamboyant, cursive signature, but happy to oblige, otherwise. The “autograph” is now a treasured keepsake for your host. [Composite image.]

Bruno Mars was born Peter Gene Hernandez, and at the age of two was nicknamed “Bruno” by his father because of his resemblance to world champion professional wrestler Bruno Sammartino. Here we have Sammartino with Carlino Giampolo.