A Disney songwriting legend, Richard M. Sherman, has passed away at the age of 95 following an age-related illness. Sherman, a nine-time Oscar winner, was best known for his collaboration with his brother Robert B. Sherman on iconic Mary Poppins hits like “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” “A Spoonful of Sugar,” and “Feed the Birds.” The duo also created the beloved tune “It’s a Small World (After All).” Throughout their career, the brothers earned numerous awards and accolades, including two Grammy Awards and 23 gold and platinum albums. Richard Sherman is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, and their two children, as well as a daughter from a previous marriage. A private funeral will be held, with a celebration of life service to be announced by Disney at a later date.
Richard M. Sherman dead at 95: Disney songwriting legend behind Mary Poppins & It’s a Small World has died after illness
A DISNEY songwriting legend behind classics in Mary Poppins and It’s a Small World has died.
Richard M. Sherman, 95, passed away following an age-related illness, it has been confirmed.
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Richard M. Sherman passed away following an age-related illness on SaturdayCredit: AP
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The Disney songwriter was a nine-time Oscar winnerCredit: AP
The nine-time Oscar winner died on Saturday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre in Beverly Hills.
Songwriter Sherman was best known for the collaboration with his brother Robert B. Sherman on Mary Poppins hits “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” “A Spoonful of Sugar” and “Feed the Birds.”
The duo also created “Chim Chim Cher-ee” from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and the tune claimed to be the most-played on earth, “It’s a Small World (After All)”
Extremely talented, the brothers earned nine Oscars, two Grammy Awards and 23 gold and platinum albums.
Their hundreds of credits as joint lyricist and composer include the films Winnie the Pooh, Charlotte’s Web and The Magic of Lassie.
In 2008, they were awarded the National Medal of Arts at the White House by President George W. Bush.
In May 2009, Disney released the documentary “The Boys: The Sherman Brothers’ Story”.
Later that year, the company released “The Sherman Brothers Songbook,” covering 42 years’ worth of their songs.
They began a decade-long partnership with Disney during the 1960s after having written hit pop songs like “Tall Paul” for ex-Mouseketeer Annette Funicello and “You’re Sixteen,” later recorded by Ringo Starr.
In total, they wrote over 150 songs at Disney.
Away from the piano, the two raised families and pursued their own interests, yet still lived close to each other in Beverly Hills.
Richard Sherman is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, and their two children: Gregory and Victoria.
He also is survived by a daughter, Lynda, from a previous marriage.
A private funeral will be held on Friday; Disney said a celebration of life service will be announced later.
Robert Sherman died in 2012.
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