Renowned Disney songwriter Richard M. Sherman passed away at 95 on Saturday, May 25, at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Beverly Hills due to age-related illness, the Walt Disney Company announced.
Bob Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company, honored Sherman in a statement:
“Richard Sherman was the embodiment of what it means to be a Disney Legend, creating along with his brother Robert the beloved classics that have become a cherished part of the soundtrack of our lives. From films like Mary Poppins and The Jungle Book to attractions like ‘it’s a small world,’ the music of the Sherman Brothers has captured the hearts of generations of audiences. We are forever grateful for the mark Richard left on the world, and we extend our deepest condolences to his family.”
Richard, along with his late brother Robert B. Sherman, who died in 2012, was best known as one half of the iconic Sherman Brothers songwriting duo. Variety reported that the pair composed music for films such as “Mary Poppins” (1964) and “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” (1968). The duo gained prominence with their 1958 hit single “Tall Paul” for Annette Funicello, a Mouseketeer on the original Mickey Mouse Club, establishing them as Disney’s in-house songwriters—a role that no longer exists.
In the 1960s, the Sherman Brothers wrote memorable songs for the “Mary Poppins” film, including “Feed the Birds,” “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” “Chim Chim Cher-ee,” and “A Spoonful of Sugar.” Their song “Chim Chim Cher-ee” earned them two Oscars for Best Original Song and Music Score.
“Richard garnered nine Academy Award nominations (winning two Oscars® for his work on the 1964 classic Mary Poppins), won three GRAMMY® Awards, and received 24 gold and platinum albums over the course of his 65-year career,”
continued the Walt Disney Company’s release.
The Sherman Brothers achieved 23 gold and platinum albums throughout their illustrious career. In 2008, they were awarded the National Medal of Arts by former President George W. Bush in recognition of their contributions. Disney celebrated their legacy with “The Boys: The Sherman Brothers’ Story” in 2009 and “The Sherman Brothers Songbook” CD, showcasing 42 years of their Disney collaborations.
In 2023, Richard Sherman appeared in a live-animated crossover series, “Once Upon a Studio,” celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Walt Disney Company. Disney expressed their condolences on X (formerly Twitter), posting a video of Sherman playing the piano with the message:
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Disney Legend Richard Sherman. Your songs are the soundtrack to so many of our memories, including the iconic ‘Feed the Birds.’ Thank you for filling the world with your joy and for the incredible legacy of music you created.”
Richard M. Sherman is survived by his wife of 66 years, Elizabeth, his son Gregory, his daughters Victoria Wolf and Lynda Rothstein (from a previous marriage), six grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. His legacy of music continues to enchant and inspire audiences around the world.
