Richard M. Sherman, who along with his late brother Robert, was responsible for creating the iconic songs for films such as “Mary Poppins,” “The Jungle Book,” and “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” has passed away at the age of 95. The duo won two Academy Awards for their work on “Mary Poppins,” as well as a Grammy for their movie and TV score. The Walt Disney Company paid tribute to the brothers, acknowledging their lasting impact on generations of moviegoers and theme park guests.
In addition to their work on the aforementioned movies, the Sherman brothers also composed songs for films like “Winnie the Pooh,” “The Slipper and the Rose,” and “The Magic of Lassie.” They were involved in Broadway musicals such as “Over Here!” and successful stagings of “Mary Poppins” and “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.” Their collaboration led to numerous awards, including 23 gold and platinum albums, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and inductions into the Songwriters’ Hall of Fame.
The Shermans’ ability to appeal to audiences of all ages was a key to their success, a lesson they learned from Walt Disney himself. Their songs were not only catchy and playful but also worked on multiple levels for different age groups. This approach allowed them to create music that resonated with both children and adults. They were presented with the National Medal of Arts by President George W. Bush in 2008 in recognition of their contributions to the arts.
The brothers began their partnership with Disney in the 1960s after writing hit songs like “Tall Paul” and “You’re Sixteen.” Their collaboration with Disney resulted in over 150 songs for various films, including “The Sword and the Stone,” “The Parent Trap,” and “Bedknobs and Broomsticks.” Their most famous composition, “It’s a Small World,” is believed to be the most performed song in the world and accompanies the popular Disney theme park ride of the same name.
The Sherman brothers credited their father, composer Al Sherman, with instilling in them a love of songwriting and wordplay. Their close bond as brothers allowed them to easily work together, often brainstorming ideas and challenging one another to improve their songs. Despite occasional estrangements, the two maintained a strong creative partnership that continued well into their later years. Richard Sherman’s passing leaves behind a legacy of beloved songs that have brought joy to millions around the world.
Richard Sherman is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, and their two children, as well as a daughter from a previous marriage. A private funeral will be held, with a celebration of life service to be announced at a later date. Despite their differences and challenges over the years, the brothers had a profound respect and love for each other, allowing them to create enduring music that has left an indelible mark on the world.
