Legendary Songwriter Richard M. Sherman, Co-Creator of Disney Classics, Dies at 95

Legendary songwriter Richard M. Sherman, known for his iconic work on Disney classics like “Mary Poppins” and “The Jungle Book,” passed away at the age of 95. Sherman, who won two Academy Awards with his brother Robert for their music in “Mary Poppins,” died at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Beverly Hills, California.

The duo’s work on “Mary Poppins” produced timeless hits like “Chim-Chim Cher-ee,” “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” and “Feed the Birds,” with the latter being a personal favorite of Walt Disney himself. Their collaboration extended to other Disney films such as “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” and “The Jungle Book,” earning them multiple Oscar nominations.

In addition to their Disney contributions, the Sherman Brothers wrote songs for films like “The Parent Trap,” “The Sword in the Stone,” and “Charlotte’s Web.” Their most famous creation, “It’s a Small World (After All),” became a staple at Disney theme parks worldwide.

Richard Sherman’s impact on the music industry was profound, with 24 gold and platinum albums to his name and a Grammy Award for the “Mary Poppins” musical score. His legacy lives on through the beloved songs that have become a cherished part of the soundtrack of our lives.

Disney CEO Bob Iger paid tribute to Sherman, calling him the embodiment of a Disney Legend and expressing gratitude for the mark he left on the world. The loss of Richard Sherman marks the end of an era in the music industry, but his timeless melodies will continue to resonate with audiences for generations to come.