Oscar-winning songwriter Richard Sherman (95) dies: Remembering the Disney legend
Richard M. Sherman, the Academy Award-winning songwriter renowned for his work on Disney classics such as Mary Poppins, died on Saturday. He was 95. He breathed his last in Beverly Hills, California. The cause of death was described as an "age-related illness," per an obituary released by Disney. Alongside his late brother Robert (who passed away in 2012), Sherman composed an estimated 1,000 songs and music for over 50 movies. May he rest in peace.
Sherman Brothers: Prolific contributors to movie musicals
The Sherman brothers hold the record for creating more movie musical songs than anyone in history! Their most notable work includes songs for Mary Poppins, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and The Jungle Book. For their work on Mary Poppins (1964), they won two Oscars for Best Original Score and Best Song (Chim Chim Cher-ee). They also received nominations for songs from other films including Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971), The Slipper and the Rose (1976), and The Magic of Lassie (1978).
Sherman Brothers's decade-long collaboration with Walt Disney
Richard and Robert were hand-picked by Walt Disney and worked closely with the Hollywood legend for nearly a decade. They wrote It's a Small World (After All), considered the most performed song ever, as well as You're Sixteen, a chart-topper for musician Ringo Starr. Their contributions extended to films like The Parent Trap (1961), The Sword in the Stone (1963), Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree (1966), The AristoCats (1970), and The Tigger Movie (2000).
The Sherman Brothers's role in casting 'Mary Poppins'
In 1961, after watching British actor Julie Andrews perform on The Ed Sullivan Show, the Sherman brothers believed she would be perfect for the lead in the film Mary Poppins. They cleverly arranged for Disney's secretary to purchase tickets to Andrews's Broadway musical Camelot for Disney and his wife. This strategic move led to Andrews being cast in the iconic role of Mary Poppins.
Overcoming challenges: The Sherman Brothers and P.L. Travers
Despite their success, the journey wasn't always smooth for the Sherman brothers. During their first meeting with P.L. Travers, author of Mary Poppins, she expressed that she didn't want music in her film. However, Walt Disney and the Sherman brothers managed to change her mind, leading to the creation of a musical masterpiece. While Travers's books may have inspired the characters in Mary Poppins, it was the songs created by the brothers that heavily influenced the film's storyline.
Sherman: A life remembered
Sherman was born on June 12, 1928, in Manhattan. He leaves behind his wife of 66 years, Elizabeth; his children Gregory, Victoria, Lynda; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. In a recent collaboration, Sherman teamed up with composer Fabrizio Mancinelli to create a song for Andreas Deja's animated short film, Mushka, released in 2023. His legacy continues through his family and the timeless music he created alongside his brother Robert, which will continue to enchant audiences for generations to come.
