Richard M Sherman, Legendary Disney Songwriter for Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Passes Away
A songwriter who created the soundtracks of some of Disney’s best-known films – including Mary Poppins, The Jungle Book, and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang – has passed away.
Richard M Sherman, one half of the award-winning pair of brothers who wrote over 150 songs for Disney, died at the age of 95 on Saturday due to an age-related illness.
Sherman and his brother Robert won two Academy Awards for the 1964 hit Mary Poppins – best score and best song for Chim Chim Cher-ee.
Richard M Sherman, right, and his brother Robert with their Oscars, alongside actress Debbie Reynolds in 1965. Pic: AP
They also received a Grammy for best movie or TV score. Robert Sherman passed away in London in 2012 at the age of 86.
Their extensive list of works as lyricist and composer includes films like Winnie the Pooh, The Slipper And The Rose, Snoopy Come Home, Charlotte’s Web, and The Magic of Lassie.
The Shermans also composed music for movies such as The Sword And The Stone, The Parent Trap, Bedknobs And Broomsticks, The Jungle Book, The Aristocrats, and The Tigger Movie.
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It’s A Small World – the song played at Disney theme parks’ boat ride – was also composed by the brothers and is considered the most played song in the world.
They also found success on Broadway and the pop charts – with musicals like 1974’s Over Here! and productions of Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in the mid-2000s.
The Shermans wrote songs such as Tall Paul for ex-Mouseketeer Annette Funicello and You’re Sixteen, later performed by Ringo Starr, before beginning their long partnership with Disney in the 1960s.
Disney stated in a release: “Generations of moviegoers and theme park visitors have been introduced to the world of Disney through the Sherman brothers’ timeless songs.
“Even today, their work remains the essential lyrical voice of Walt Disney.”
Dick Van Dyke, Julie Andrews, Karen Dotrice, and Matthew Garber in the 1964 film Mary Poppins. Pic: Moviestore Collection/REX/Shutterstock
The Shermans’ accolades also include 23 gold and platinum albums and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The duo became the sole Americans to ever win first prize at the Moscow Film Festival for Tom Sawyer in 1973 and were honored in the Songwriters’ Hall of Fame in 2005.
President George W Bush bestowed upon them the National Medal of Arts in 2008, praising their music that “has brought joy to millions”.
Richard M Sherman with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in 2018. Pic: AP
Richard Sherman remarked on his musical collaboration with Robert in 2005: “Something special happens when we sit down together and work.
“We’ve been doing it all our lives. Practically since college, we’ve been working together.”
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During an interview with the Associated Press, Mr Sherman also shared the advice Walt Disney gave them when they started out.
“He once advised us, early in our career, ‘do not underestimate the child – do not write down to the child. And do not write just for the adult’. So we write for grandpa and the four-year-old – and everyone in between – and all see it on a different level.”
Richard Sherman is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, and their two children Gregory and Victoria. He is also survived by a daughter, Lynda, from a previous marriage.
