Richard Sherman, the Musical Maestro Behind Disney’s Magical Melodies, Passes Away at 95

At The Walt Disney Company, Richard and his brother Robert Sherman were affectionately known as “the boys” by none other than Walt Disney himself. These endearing siblings became the melodic architects of Disney’s most uplifting soundtracks, leaving an indelible mark on generations with their spirited, feel-good songs. Richard Sherman, the more outgoing of the iconic duo, passed away on May 25 at the age of 95, surrounded by the legacy of joy he spent a lifetime building.

The Sherman brothers were behind some of Disney’s most memorable tunes, such as the delightfully tongue-twisting “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” and the uplifting “A Spoonful of Sugar” from the 1964 classic “Mary Poppins,” for which they earned two Academy Awards. Walt Disney himself once praised their work by simply saying, “They somehow managed to convey my meaning in those songs,” a testament echoed by “Mary Poppins” star Dick Van Dyke.

The duo’s work was as varied as it was prolific. They brought to life the whimsical themes of Disney TV shows and films like “The Jungle Book,” “The Aristocats,” and “Winnie the Pooh” cartoons, and even crafted the unforgettable tune for Disneyland’s most earworm-worthy attraction: “It’s a Small World (After All).” It was said that they were as integral to the Disney magic as the Imagineers who designed the parks.

Richard’s storytelling prowess was not confined to Disney. Even after leaving the studio in 1968, he and Robert wrote several other film scores and collaborated on projects like “Charlotte’s Web” and the Tony Award-nominated musical “Over Here!” Despite the accolades and awards, including being inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, Richard fondly remembered the simpler times, like Disney asking them to play “Feed the Birds,” his favorite song from “Mary Poppins.”

Richard is survived by his wife Elizabeth, children Gregory, Victoria, and Lynda, and several grandchildren, all of whom carry the melody of his legacy. The Walt Disney Company, in a heartfelt statement, recognized Richard’s passing as a significant loss, commemorating the enduring magic he helped create.

We invite all Disney fans to share their favorite Sherman Brothers song in the comments below. How have these melodies impacted your life? Let’s celebrate the legacy of Richard Sherman together by recalling the joy his music has brought to the world.

For the full story of Richard Sherman’s remarkable life and contributions, click [here](https://www.latimes.com/).

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