With the recent news of Disney Legend Richard Sherman’s passing at the age of 95, it feels like the right time to celebrate the incredible legacy that The Sherman Brothers left behind through their enchanting music, forever embedded in the Disney experience. Richard and Robert Sherman, Walt Disney’s musical maestros, created timeless tunes that continue to resonate in the hearts of Disney park-goers at both Magic Kingdom and Disneyland Park.
The Sherman Brothers penned the unforgettable song “It’s a Small World,” which is played on the iconic boat ride across both parks. Originally conceived as a medley of national anthems, the ride was transformed by the Shermans’ universal prayer for peace encapsulated in one melody. It’s a song that effortlessly unites people from all over the globe.
Imagine visiting Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room, a serene sanctuary where the birds sing words and the flowers croon. Again, it was The Sherman Brothers who answered the existential question of what the Tiki Room truly is through their whimsical lyrics and music, creating a magical, melodic oasis.
Wander over to The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, and you can’t miss the infectious tunes like “Winnie the Pooh,” “The Rain Rain Rain Came Down Down Down,” and “Heffalumps and Woozles,” all from the creative minds of the Shermans. These melodies are more than just background music; they’re integral characters in the story, bringing Pooh and his friends even more vividly to life.
My personal favorite, however, remains “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow” from Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress in Magic Kingdom. Its optimistic tones and hopeful lyrics make it an enduring anthem of innovation and forward-thinking, reminding us all to dream big. You can also catch this tune looping in Tomorrowland at Disneyland, a nod to the timeless optimism that is emblematic of Disney’s future vision.
Then, there’s the music from “Mary Poppins” – perhaps the crown jewel of the Sherman Brothers’ Disney repertoire. From “Chim Chim Cher-ee” on Prince Charming Carrousel at Magic Kingdom to “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” played by the Pearly Band in Disneyland, these songs have become as iconic as the parks themselves.
Whether it’s Main Street U.S.A.’s background music featuring “Fortuosity” and “Flitterin’,” or the ethereal “One Little Spark” at EPCOT’s Journey Into Imagination with Figment, the Shermans’ melodies are the soundtracks of countless magical moments.
The enduring allure of Sherman Brothers’ music lies in its ability to bring a smile to our faces and stir our imaginations. Their creative genius will forever be a cornerstone of the Disney experience, living on in the places we explore and the songs we hum after we leave the parks.
Do you have a favorite Sherman Brothers’ song? Where in the parks do you love to hear their music the most? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let’s keep the conversation and music alive!
