Attention all Disney fans! It is with deep sorrow that we report the passing of a true Disney legend, Richard M. Sherman, at the venerable age of 95. This remarkable songwriter, alongside his brother Robert, was the lyrical genius behind the enchanting melodies that have become the very heartbeat of Disney’s rich history.
The Walt Disney Company announced that Sherman passed away on Saturday, May 25, in Beverly Hills, California, following age-related illnesses. Reflecting on his monumental contributions, Disney hailed the Sherman brothers’ work as the quintessential lyrical voice of Walt Disney’s vision. They stated on their website that “Generations of moviegoers and theme park guests have been introduced to the world of Disney through the Sherman brothers’ magnificent and timeless songs.”
Bob Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company, paid a heartfelt tribute, saying, “Richard Sherman was the embodiment of what it means to be a Disney Legend. His creations with his brother, Robert, are cherished classics, woven into the soundtrack of our lives. We are forever indebted to Richard for the joy and magic he brought into our world.”
Richard Sherman’s storied career blossomed in 1957 when Mouseketeer Annette Funicello recorded their song “Tall Paul,” which subsequently led to Walt Disney inviting the brothers to write for Disney films. The dynamic duo went on to pen over 150 songs for Disney films and theme parks. Their iconic compositions from *Mary Poppins*, *The Jungle Book*, *The Aristocats*, and that unforgettable earworm “It’s A Small World (After All)” continue to resonate with audiences of all ages.
The Shermans snagged multiple accolades, including two Academy Awards and a Grammy for their work on *Mary Poppins*, specifically for classics like “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” “A Spoonful of Sugar,” and “Chim Chim Cher-ee.” Reflecting on his partnership with his brother, Richard once shared, “Something good happens when we sit down together and work. We’ve been doing it all our lives.”
As we celebrate Richard’s enduring legacy, we extend our deepest sympathies to his family. The music world has indeed lost a legend, but his melodies will forever echo in the corridors of our hearts. Share your favorite Sherman Brothers’ song in the comments below and let’s cherish these timeless tunes together.
Sources:
– [PopCrush](http://popcrush.com/richard-sherman-disney-songwriter-death-obit)
– [Walt Disney Company Tribute](https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/remembering-disney-legend-richard-m-sherman/)
