Richard M. Sherman, renowned for his unfading contributions to Disney classics and musical theater, has passed away at the age of 95. Sherman was one half of the legendary Sherman Brothers duo, who captured the hearts of generations by crafting unforgettable songs for renowned films such as “Mary Poppins,” “The Jungle Book,” and “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.” Alongside these, they also composed the globally cherished tune, “It’s a Small World (After All).”
The news was confirmed by The Walt Disney Company, which disclosed that Sherman died on Saturday from age-related illness. “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 expressed in a heartfelt tribute on its website.
Together, Richard and his brother, Robert, left an indelible mark on musical history. Their collaboration earned them not just fame, but also several high-profile awards. The duo clinched two Academy Awards for their work on Disney’s 1964 hit “Mary Poppins,” winning for best score and best song with “Chim Chim Cher-ee.” Their exceptional soundtrack also earned them a Grammy Award for best movie or TV score. Robert Sherman passed away in 2012 at the age of 86 in London.
The Sherman Brothers’ legacy extends far beyond “Mary Poppins.” Their extensive list of credits includes timeless films such as “Winnie the Pooh,” “The Slipper and the Rose,” “Snoopy Come Home,” “Charlotte’s Web,” and “The Magic of Lassie.” Their influence also reached Broadway, where they produced the 1974 musical “Over Here!” as well as stage adaptations of “Mary Poppins” and “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” in the 2000s.
Richard Sherman once remarked in a 2005 interview with 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.” This sentiment rings true as the Shermans accumulated 23 gold and platinum albums and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. They were also the only Americans to win the first prize at the Moscow Film Festival for “Tom Sawyer” in 1973 and were inducted into the Songwriters’ Hall of Fame in 2005.
In 2008, President George W. Bush awarded them the National Medal of Arts, applauding their music for bringing joy to millions. Their distinctive ability to compose songs that appealed to both young and mature audiences is attributed 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.” With this in mind, the Shermans composed songs that resonated with grandfathers and four-year-olds alike, offering different levels of work for different ages.
The brothers began their prolific partnership with Disney in the 1960s.
. Prior to joining Disney, they had already written successful pop songs like “Tall Paul” for Mouseketeer Annette Funicello and “You’re Sixteen,” which was later recorded by Ringo Starr. Over their tenure with Disney, they composed over 150 songs, crafting the music for classics such as “The Sword in the Stone,” “The Parent Trap,” “Bedknobs and Broomsticks,” “The Jungle Book,” “The Aristocats,” and “The Tigger Movie.”
One notable creation is the anthem “It’s a Small World.” This iconic song, performed countless times around the globe, greets visitors on the Disney theme parks’ boat ride, where animatronic dolls from various world cultures sing in harmony. Its debut at the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair showcased its international charm and timeless appeal.
Behind their musical prowess, the Sherman Brothers were greatly influenced by their father, composer Al Sherman. Al challenged his sons to develop a love for wordsmithing, with songs such as “You Gotta Be a Football Hero,” “(What Do We Do On a) Dew-Dew-Dewy Day,” and “On the Beach at Bali-Bali” forming part of their creative pathway. Richard and Robert went on to popularize whimsical terms such as “fantasmagorical” and “supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.”
The Shermans’ songwriting process was deeply collaborative and competitive. They would brainstorm titles together and then try to outshine each other’s contributions. Richard once described their collaboration as almost telepathic. “Being brothers, we sort of short-cut each other. We can almost look at each other and know, ‘Hey, you’re onto something, kiddo.'”
Even as they raised families and pursued personal interests, the brothers remained close, residing near each other in Beverly Hills. They continued working together well into their 70s, even adding new lyrics and four fresh songs for the Broadway rendition of “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” in 2005.
Richard Sherman is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, and their two children, Gregory and Victoria. He also leaves behind a daughter, Lynda, from a previous marriage. A private funeral will take place on Friday, and Disney announced that a celebration of his life will be scheduled at a later date.
Despite occasional estrangement, the brothers largely sidestepped sibling rivalry. Reflecting on their relationship, Richard remained both philosophical and humorous. “We’re human. We have frailties and weaknesses. But we love each other very much, respect each other,” he said. “I’m happy that he’s a successful guy. That makes me a successful guy.”
