We remember the incredible life of Disney Legend Richard M. Sherman, part of the acclaimed songwriting duo known as the Sherman Brothers, alongside his brother, Robert B. Sherman.
Richard passed away peacefully at the age of 95 on a Saturday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Beverly Hills, following an illness related to age.
His impressive career in family entertainment as a distinguished composer-lyricist spanned 65 years, earning him a permanent place in the world of Disney magic.
With nine Academy Award nominations and two Oscars for the beloved Mary Poppins, Richard left an indelible mark on music history. His career ventured from rock n’ roll to film and Broadway, capturing hearts along the way.
Their extraordinary music introduced countless generations to Disney, crafting evocative melodies that continue to resonate. The Sherman Brothers created the soundtrack of Disney, celebrated for masterpieces like Mary Poppins.
Their work earned them two Oscars, including Best Original Song for “Chim Chim Cher-ee.” Notably, “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” and “Feed the Birds,” a personal favorite of Walt Disney, hold special places in the hearts of Disney fans.
Bob Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company, reflected on the immense contributions Richard made, saying, “Richard Sherman truly embodied the essence of a Disney Legend, crafting timeless classics alongside his brother.
Films like Mary Poppins and The Jungle Book, and attractions such as ‘it’s a small world,’ owe their heart to the Sherman Brothers’ music. His impact is felt across generations, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to his loved ones.”
Pete Docter, Chief Creative Officer at Pixar Animation Studios, admired Richard’s zest for life, noting that songs like “A Spoonful of Sugar” came from his joyful spirit. “His enthusiasm was contagious,” Pete recalled, leaving those around him feeling uplifted and inspired.
Film historian Leonard Maltin acknowledged the brothers as “professional optimists,” whose positive outlook was perfectly suited to Walt Disney’s vision. Their father’s legacy greatly inspired them, carrying on the family tradition in songwriting with pride and dedication.
Richard, born June 12, 1928, in New York City, forged a path similar to his songwriter father, Al Sherman, after the family relocated to Beverly Hills in 1937. Richard attended Beverly Hills High before majoring in music at Bard College. From 1953 to 1955, he served as conductor for the Army band and glee club during his military service.
In 1951, Gene Autry recorded the Sherman Brothers’ “Gold Can Buy You Anything But Love,” marking the start of their songwriting journey. It was in 1958 when they truly hit their stride, with Mouseketeer Annette Funicello’s “Tall Paul” reaching No. 7 on the charts with 700,000 singles sold.
Their success caught Walt Disney’s attention, leading to their hire as staff songwriters for Disney. Their task list grew from the movie The Horsemasters in 1961 to an impressive array of films like The Absent-Minded Professor, The Parent Trap, and The Sword in the Stone.
Their crowning achievements like Mary Poppins, The Jungle Book, and Winnie the Pooh became iconic, racking up more than 200 songs across 27 films and numerous television works.
Beyond the silver screen, the Shermans’ music graced Disney’s theme parks, with timeless creations such as “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow,” “The Tiki, Tiki, Tiki Room,” and “It’s a Small World,” the latter fondly described by Richard as “a prayer for peace.” The brothers’ contributions continued into the 1980s with EPCOT Center and Tokyo Disneyland, writing beloved songs like “One Little Spark.”
Leaving Disney in the early 70s, Richard and Robert pursued other film projects, enriching films like Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Charlotte’s Web with their memorable music and occasional scripts. Their fame even crossed international lines, winning 1st Prize at the Moscow Film Festival in 1973 for The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, proving their universal appeal.
In 1990, Richard and Robert were honored as Disney Legends, recognizing their invaluable contributions. Their music sparked the 1992 Walt Disney Records collection, and they continued creating into the late ’90s with works like The Tigger Movie and their autobiography, “Walt’s Time.”
The Songwriters Hall of Fame inducted the brothers in 2005, followed by receiving the prestigious National Medal of the Arts in 2008, celebrating their influential and optimistic lyrical legacy. Acknowledgments from figures like Laura Bush underscored the depth of creativity and the richness they brought to American culture.
In 2010, Richard teamed up with John Debney for Iron Man 2’s “Make Way for Tomorrow Today” and received cordial recognition from Disney Parks, earning a tribute on Main Street, U.S.A.«For a brief time,” their impact on Disney is cherished by fans worldwide.
Though preceded in death by Robert in 2012, Richard’s legacy continued to shine brightly. B. J. Novak and Jason Schwartzman portrayed the brothers in Saving Mr. Banks, bringing their musical journey to a new generation. Walt Disney Studios commemorated their contributions by dedicating Stage A to the Sherman Brothers in 2018, where Richard fondly recalled his decades-long collaboration at the studios.
A 2015 TV special, Richard M. Sherman: Songs of a Lifetime, captured his life story, with continued Disney contributions during the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration through “A Kiss Goodnight.” Richard’s recent appearances include composing for The Jungle Book (2016) and starring in Christopher Robin (2018).
Richard’s later projects honored collaborations with talents like Andreas Deja, crafting “Mushka’s Lullabye” for an animated short, and his nostalgic return to play “Feed the Birds” in Walt’s office for the short film Once Upon a Studio.
Richard Sherman leaves behind his beloved family: wife Elizabeth, son Gregory, daughter Victoria, and their grandchildren. His daughter Lynda Rothstein and her children also survive him, ensuring his spirit continues through future generations.
A private farewell service is planned for May 31 at Hillside Memorial Park, with a celebration of his remarkable life set to follow.
