Renowned Disney songwriter Richard M. Sherman, known for classic hits in Mary Poppins and It’s a Small World, has passed away at the age of 95.
The nine-time Oscar winner died on Saturday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre in Beverly Hills.
Collaborating with his brother Robert B. Sherman, they produced beloved Mary Poppins songs such as “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” “A Spoonful of Sugar,” and “Feed the Birds.”
Among their other iconic creations are “Chim Chim Cher-ee” from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and the ever-popular tune “It’s a Small World (After All)”
The talented duo amassed a remarkable collection of accolades, including nine Oscars, two Grammy Awards, and 23 gold and platinum albums.
Their vast repertoire as lyricists and composers includes films like Winnie the Pooh, Charlotte’s Web, and The Magic of Lassie.
Recognized for their contributions to the arts, the brothers were awarded the National Medal of Arts in 2008 at the White House by then-President George W. Bush.
In remembrance of their legacy, Disney released the documentary “The Boys: The Sherman Brothers’ Story” in May 2009.
Additionally, a compilation of their work over four decades, “The Sherman Brothers Songbook,” was launched by the company in the same year.
Their partnership with Disney began in the 1960s, where they penned over 150 songs, including “Tall Paul” for Annette Funicello and “You’re Sixteen,” famously covered by Ringo Starr.
Aside from their musical endeavors, they led separate lives while residing in close proximity in Beverly Hills.
Richard Sherman leaves behind his wife, Elizabeth, and their two children: Gregory and Victoria.
He is also survived by a daughter, Lynda, from a previous marriage.
A private funeral is scheduled for Friday, with a future celebration of life service planned by Disney.
Robert Sherman passed away in 2012, marking the end of an era for the acclaimed songwriting duo.
