Richard Sherman, the renowned songwriter behind beloved Disney classics like “Mary Poppins” and “The Jungle Book,” passed away at the age of 95 in Beverly Hills due to age-related illness, as confirmed by Disney.
Sherman, alongside his late brother Robert, served as staff composers for Disney from 1960 to 1973, crafting over 200 songs for 27 films and numerous television productions. Their timeless melodies, described as emblematic of a bygone Hollywood era, earned them accolades including an Oscar for Best Song for “Chim Chim Cher-ee” from “Mary Poppins.”
In a statement, Disney hailed Richard as a “key member” of Walt Disney’s creative circle, recognizing their enduring impact on the company’s musical legacy. Hits like “It’s a Small World” and “I Wan’na Be Like You” from “The Jungle Book” solidified their status as quintessential Disney composers.
The Sherman brothers’ collaboration extended beyond Disney, with notable contributions to films like “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.” Despite Robert’s passing in 2012, Richard remained active in the industry, lending his talents to projects such as the live-action adaptation of “The Jungle Book” and “Christopher Robin.”
Renowned actor Tom Hanks once described Richard Sherman as a “never-ending fountain of stories,” reflecting his profound influence on the entertainment world.
