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Richard M. Sherman, one half of the legendary songwriting duo responsible for some of the most beloved songs in Disney history, has passed away at the age of 95. Sherman, along with his late brother Robert, crafted timeless melodies that became the soundtrack to countless childhoods, including hits from "Mary Poppins," "The Jungle Book," "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang," and the iconic "It's a Small World (After All)."
The Sherman brothers' collaboration yielded remarkable success, earning them two Academy Awards for their work on Walt Disney's 1964 classic "Mary Poppins," including best score and best song for "Chim Chim Cher-ee." They also received a Grammy for the best movie or TV score. Richard's brother Robert passed away in 2012 at the age of 86 in London.
The Walt Disney Company announced Richard Sherman's passing due to age-related illness on Saturday at a Los Angeles hospital. "Generations of moviegoers and theme park guests have been introduced to the world of Disney through the Sherman brothers' magnificent and timeless songs. Even today, the duo's work remains the quintessential lyrical voice of Walt Disney," the company stated in a heartfelt tribute.
Richard and Robert's extensive catalog includes memorable songs for films such as "Winnie the Pooh," "The Slipper and the Rose," "Snoopy Come Home," "Charlotte's Web," and "The Magic of Lassie." Their talents also graced Broadway with musicals like 1974's "Over Here!" and stage adaptations of "Mary Poppins" and "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" in the mid-2000s.
Reflecting on their collaboration, Richard Sherman once told The Associated Press, "Something good happens when we sit down together and work. We've been doing it all our lives. Practically since college, we've been working together."
The Shermans' illustrious career earned them numerous accolades, including 23 gold and platinum albums, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and induction into the Songwriters' Hall of Fame in 2005. They were the only Americans to win first prize at the Moscow Film Festival for "Tom Sawyer" in 1973, and in 2008, President George W. Bush awarded them the National Medal of Arts for their contributions to music.
The Shermans' songs, renowned for their catchy and multi-generational appeal, were crafted under Walt Disney's guidance to never "write down to the kid" or "write just for the adult," aiming to delight everyone from young children to grandparents.
The brothers' decade-long partnership with Disney began in the 1960s, following their success with pop hits like "Tall Paul" for Annette Funicello and "You're Sixteen," later covered by Ringo Starr. They wrote over 150 songs for Disney, contributing to the soundtracks of films such as "The Sword in the Stone," "The Parent Trap," "Bedknobs and Broomsticks," "The Aristocats," and "The Tigger Movie."
Among their many achievements, "It's a Small World" stands out as the most performed song in the world, accompanying the beloved Disney theme park ride that debuted at the 1964-65 New York World's Fair.
The Shermans credited their father, composer Al Sherman, for instilling in them a love of songwriting. Al's own hits included "You Gotta Be a Football Hero" and "On the Beach at Bali-Bali." The brothers carried on this legacy, creating unforgettable songs like "supercalifragilisticexpialidocious."
Despite their intense collaboration, the Shermans maintained a close and supportive relationship. Richard once remarked, "We're human. We have frailties and weaknesses. But we love each other very much, respect each other. I'm happy that he's a successful guy. That makes me a successful guy."
Richard Sherman is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, their two children, Gregory and Victoria, and his daughter Lynda from a previous marriage. A private funeral is planned for Friday, with a celebration of life service to be announced later by Disney.
Richard Sherman's legacy will live on through the magical music that continues to enchant audiences worldwide, ensuring that his and his brother's contributions to entertainment will never be forgotten.
