Welcome to our heartfelt tribute to Richard M. Sherman, an icon who illuminated the worlds of music and film with his unparalleled talent. His passing at the remarkable age of 95 marks the end of an era, yet his legacy continues to touch our hearts and souls.
Richard Sherman, along with his brother Robert B. Sherman, crafted melodies that have forever etched themselves into our memories. Their songs for classics like “Mary Poppins” remain as enchanting today as the day they were first performed.
A giant in the entertainment industry, Richard’s accolades include two Oscars and three Grammy Awards. His body of work, often written in partnership with his brother, still resonates deeply with audiences around the world.
Celebrated as a Disney Legend, Richard’s timeless compositions, spanning from “Mary Poppins” to “The Jungle Book,” and the catchy tune “It’s a Small World,” have become part of our collective memory. These pieces continue to bring joy to people of all ages and backgrounds, creating a universal language of happiness.
Pete Docter, Pixar’s Chief Creative Officer, described Richard’s enthusiasm for life and his ability to create music that universally resonates. Even in his later years, Richard’s vibrant energy was inspiring to everyone around him.
Richard Sherman didn’t restrict his talent to films alone. Together with his brother, he wrote songs for stage musicals like “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” and “Mary Poppins.” One of their well-known songs, “You’re Sixteen,” originally sung by Johnny Burnette, was famously covered by Ringo Starr.
Born on June 12, 1928, in New York City, Richard was surrounded by a family of songwriters. His journey in music continued in Beverly Hills after moving there in 1937, where he showcased his talents in high school.
Richard served in the U.S. Army before teaming up with his brother to form a songwriting duo that captured the attention of Walt Disney, starting their successful collaboration.
The release of “Mary Poppins” in 1964 was a pivotal moment in their career. The film, starring Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke, featured mesmerizing scores by the Sherman brothers, earning them two Oscars and birthing classics like “Chim Chim Cher-ee” and “A Spoonful of Sugar.” One of their most iconic compositions, “It’s a Small World (After All),” was originally crafted for the New York World Fair in 1964.
Richard’s genius for melody extended beyond Disney, contributing to the scores of films like “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” “The Aristocats,” “The Jungle Book,” and “Charlotte’s Web.” Nominated for nine Oscars, he won two, alongside three Grammy Awards. In recognition of their contributions, the Sherman brothers were named Disney Legends in 1990 and were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2005.
Today, we celebrate Richard M. Sherman—a true musical genius whose compositions continue to bring immeasurable joy. His legacy ensures that future generations will keep basking in the magic and wonder of his musical creations.
