Disney Songwriter Richard M. Sherman Dead at 95: 'Incredible Legacy of Music'

• Disney songwriter Richard M. Sherman died of age-related illness at age 95 on Saturday, May 25.
• Richard was best known for being part of the Sherman Brothers with his late brother Robert B. Sherman
• Richard left behind his wife Elizabeth of 66 years, three children, six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Disney lyricist Richard M. Sherman has died at the age of 95.

On Saturday, May 25, the Walt Disney Company revealed on its website that Richard died that day at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Beverly Hills “due to an age-related illness.”

“Richard Sherman epitomized what it means to be a Disney legend, co-creating beloved classics with his brother Robert that have become a cherished part of the soundtrack of our lives,” said Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger. in the statement. “From movies like Mary Poppins and The Jungle Book to attractions like ‘the world is small,’ the Sherman brothers’ music has won the hearts of generations of audiences. We are forever grateful for the mark Richard left on the world and send our deepest condolences to his family.”

Richard was best known for being a member of the writing team, the Sherman Brothers, with his late brother Robert B. Sherman, who died at age 86 in 2012.

According to Diversitythe duo worked on songs for films such as 1968 Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and in 1964 Mary Poppins.

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Ewan McGregor (left), Richard M. Sherman and Marc Forster on stage at the Sherman Brothers Tribute on July 30, 2018 in Burbank, California.

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The pair worked as an in-house copywriter for Disney, a role that no longer exists, according to reports Diversity. This came after the success of their 1958 original single “Tall Paul”. The Mickey Mouse ClubAnnette Funicello, Mouseketeer on the show.

Meanwhile, in the 60s the pair wrote hits for Mary Poppins film that includes “Chim Chim Cher-ee,” “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” “A Spoonful of Sugar” and “Feed the Birds.” This earned the Sherman Brothers two Oscars: for music and best original song, thanks to “Chim Chim Cher-ee”.

From left: Dick Van Dyke, Julie Andrews and Richard Sherman at an awards ceremony honoring Andrews on August 2, 2001 at Disney’s Burbank Studios.

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“Richard received nine Academy Award nominations (winning two Academy Awards® for his work on the 1964 classic Mary Poppins), won three GRAMMY® Awards and received 24 gold and platinum albums during his 65-year career,” according to a statement from The Walt Disney Company.

Richard Sherman (left) and Elizabeth Gluck in 2017.

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According to Diversity, in the career of the Sherman brothers, their pair achieved 23 gold and platinum albums. As a result of their achievements, former President George W. Bush awarded them the National Medal of Arts in 2008.

The Boys: A Sherman Brothers Story the documentary was released by Disney in 2009. who came with her The Sherman Brothers Songbook A CD showcasing 42 years of their Disney work.

Richard also made a cameo in the live-action animated crossover Once upon a time there was a studio in 2023, marks 100 years of the Walt Disney Company.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Disney legend Richard Sherman,” Disney wrote alongside a video of Richard playing the piano in a post on Xu (formerly known as Twitter). “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’ve created.”

The Disney legend is survived by his wife Elizabeth, with whom he was married for 66 years, as well as his son Gregory, daughter Victoria Wolf and daughter Lynda Rothstein from a previous marriage.

He is survived by six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

“A private interment is scheduled for Friday, May 31, at Hillside Memorial Park and Mortuary in Los Angeles,” the statement continued. “Plans for a celebration of life will be announced at a later date.”

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Source: HIS Education