Richard M. Sherman, renowned for writing songs for iconic films like “Mary Poppins,” passed away at the age of 95 on Saturday. The celebrated songwriter, who frequently collaborated with his brother Robert B. Sherman, succumbed to an age-related illness at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, as announced by Disney.
A funeral is scheduled for Friday, May 31, at Hillside Memorial Park Cemetery in Culver City, California. Richard leaves behind his wife, Elizabeth Gluck, whom he married in 1957. They had two children together, Gregory and Victoria, and he also had a daughter, Lynda, from a previous marriage to Corrine Newman.
Throughout his illustrious career, Sherman garnered numerous accolades, including two Oscars and three Grammy Awards. His work, often in partnership with his brother Robert, left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.
Disney CEO Bob Iger paid tribute, stating, “Richard Sherman was the embodiment of what it means to be a Disney Legend, creating beloved classics that have become a cherished part of the soundtrack of our lives. From films like ‘Mary Poppins’ and ‘The Jungle Book’ to attractions like ‘It’s a Small World,’ the music of the Sherman Brothers has captured the hearts of generations.”
Pete Docter, Chief Creative Officer at Pixar Animation Studios, also expressed his admiration: “You don’t get songs like ‘Spoonful of Sugar’ without a genuine love of life, which Richard passed on to everyone lucky enough to be around him. Even in his 90s, he had more energy and enthusiasm than anyone, and I always left renewed by Richard’s infectious joy for life.”
Film historian Leonard Maltin shared his thoughts, noting, “The Sherman brothers were professional optimists who found a perfect patron in Walt Disney. Their songs had an upbeat outlook that spilled over into Richard’s life, which was not without its troubles and challenges.”
Richard Sherman was born on June 12, 1928, in New York City. He and his brother followed in their father’s footsteps, who was also a songwriter. In 1937, the family moved to Beverly Hills, where Richard attended Beverly Hills High School, studying various instruments like the piano and flute. He graduated in 1946, performing during the ceremony with classmate Andre Previn, who later won four Oscars.
In 1953, Richard was drafted into the U.S. Army, serving in the Army Band until 1955. He attended Bard College in New York, majoring in music. After graduation, Richard and Robert began writing songs together, founding their music publishing company, the Music World Corporation, in 1958. Their song “Tall Paul,” sung by Annette Funicello, reached the top ten, catching Walt Disney’s attention. The Sherman brothers were subsequently hired as songwriters for the Walt Disney Company.
In 1964, “Mary Poppins,” starring Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke, premiered with songs by the Sherman brothers. The following year, they won two Oscars for Best Score and Best Original Song for “Chim Chim Cher-ee.” The iconic track “It’s a Small World (After All)” was also penned by them and showcased at the New York World Fair in 1964.
Richard’s other major film scores included “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” (1968), “The Aristocats” (1970), “The Jungle Book” (1967), and “Charlotte’s Web” (1973). Throughout his career, he was nominated for nine Oscars, winning two, and received three Grammy Awards. In 2005, the Sherman brothers were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and named Disney Legends in 1990.
Richard also contributed to stage musicals such as “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” “Mary Poppins,” “A Spoonful of Sherman,” and “Bedknobs and Broomsticks.” Their songs extended beyond film, including the track “You’re Sixteen,” sung by Johnny Burnette in 1960 and later covered by Ringo Starr in 1973.
