Richard M. Sherman, one half of the dynamic and remarkable songwriting duo known for creating timeless classics that shaped countless childhoods, has passed away at the age of 95. The legendary musician, who along with his brother Robert, composed unforgettable tunes for Disney hits such as “Mary Poppins,” “The Jungle Book,” and “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” leaves behind a legacy that will endure for generations. Richard Sherman’s passing was due to age-related illness, as confirmed by The Walt Disney Co.
The Sherman brothers’ illustrious career spanned multiple decades and earned them numerous accolades, including two Academy Awards for their work on Disney’s 1964 blockbuster “Mary Poppins.” Their contributions to “Mary Poppins” garnered them Oscars for Best Original Score and Best Original Song for “Chim Chim Cher-ee.” Additionally, they received a Grammy Award for Best Movie or TV Score. Robert Sherman, Richard’s lifelong collaborator, passed away in 2012 in London at the age of 86.
Disney’s announcement highlighted the impact of the Shermans’ work: “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.” This sentiment reflects the enduring love audiences have for the Shermans’ compositions.
Beyond their Academy and Grammy awards, the Shermans’ extensive portfolio includes contributions to several iconic films. They were the creative forces behind the music of “Winnie the Pooh,” “The Slipper and the Rose,” “Snoopy Come Home,” “Charlotte’s Web,” and “The Magic of Lassie.” Their talents also extended to the stage, with successful Broadway musicals such as 1974’s “Over Here!” and theatrical adaptations of “Mary Poppins” and “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” in the mid-2000s.
Reflecting on their collaboration, Richard Sherman once told The Associated Press in a 2005 joint interview, “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 Sherman brothers’ creative synergy resulted in 23 gold and platinum albums and a coveted star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. They also became the only Americans to win first prize at the Moscow Film Festival for “Tom Sawyer” in 1973, and were inducted into the Songwriters’ Hall of Fame in 2005.
A particularly notable event was the 2018 renaming of Disney Studios Soundstage A in honor of the Sherman Brothers at the world premiere of Disney’s “Christopher Robin.” Richard Sherman stood alongside Mickey and Minnie Mouse, his wife Elizabeth Gluck, and other admirers during the ceremony, highlighting the widespread affection and respect for his contributions to Disney and beyond.
In 2008, President George W.
. Bush awarded Richard and Robert Sherman the National Medal of Arts, recognizing their music for bringing joy to millions. Their melodies, beyond being catchy and playful, were crafted to resonate with individuals of all ages—a philosophy they embraced thanks to Walt Disney’s early advice: “Don’t insult the kid—don’t write down to the kid. And don’t write just for the adult.”
Richard Sherman is survived by his wife Elizabeth, their children Gregory and Victoria, and a daughter, Lynda, from a previous marriage. The family plans to hold a private funeral on Friday and Disney has announced that a celebration of life service will follow in due course.
The Shertman brothers began their enormously successful partnership with Disney in the 1960s, inspired by their earlier pop hits like “Tall Paul” for ex-Mousketeer Annette Funicello and “You’re Sixteen,” which was later recorded by Ringo Starr. At Disney, they crafted more than 150 songs, leaving an indelible mark on films like “The Sword in the Stone,” “The Parent Trap,” “Bedknobs and Broomsticks,” “The Aristocats,” and “The Tigger Movie.”
Their song “It’s a Small World (After All)” is one of the most performed compositions globally, accompanying visitors on the enchanting boat ride at various Disney theme parks. The song debuted at the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair and quickly became a global phenomenon.
The Sherman brothers’ musical journey was inspired by their father, Al Sherman, a renowned composer whose own songs such as “You Gotta Be a Football Hero” instilled in them a love for wordsmithing. They popularized charming words like “fantasmagorical” and “supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” which have since become part of popular culture.
Despite the occasional rivalry, Richard and Robert Sherman enjoyed a close bond, using their unique sibling connection to fuel their creativity. Even as they pursued individual interests and raised families in Beverly Hills, they remained professionally active well into their 70s. Notably, they added new lyrics and songs for the Broadway adaptation of “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” in 2005.
Reflecting on their relationship, Richard Sherman 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.”
As we bid farewell to Richard M. Sherman, we celebrate not just the man, but the melodies that have delighted and inspired millions, etched forever in the annals of music and cinematic history.
