Disney composer Richard Sherman dies aged 95
An Oscar-winning Disney star involved in classics like Mary Poppins, The Jungle Book and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang has died aged 95.
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Beloved Disney composer Richard M Sherman has died aged 95.
The Oscar-winning songwriter, who worked on classics like Mary Poppins (1964),Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968) and The Jungle Book (1967), passed away in a Beverly Hills hospital from an “age-related illness” on Saturday.
Sherman has been described as one of the most prolific composer-lyricists and a key member of Walt Disney’s inner circle of creative talents.
He garnered nine Academy Award nominations throughout his career and won two Oscars for his work alongside his brother Robert on the 1964 classic Mary Poppins.
The Sherman brothers wrote the classic tune ‘Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious’ for the film, with the song quickly becoming a pop hit, entering the Billboard Hot 100 in 1965.
The composer also won three Grammys and received 24 gold and platinum albums over the course of his 65 year career.
Some of his other best-known scores include The Jungle Book’s ‘Trust in Me’ and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’s ‘Truly Scrumptious’.
Richard and Robert were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2005 and received the US National Medal of the Arts in 2008.
The Aristocats, Bedknobs and Broomsticks and the Winnie the Pooh were among other Disney productions to feature their words and music.
The pair were portrayed in the film Saving Mr. Banks (2013), starring Tom Hanks, which told the story behind the making of Mary Poppins.
Released one year on from Richard’s death in 2012, the movie saw actors Jason Schwartzman and B. J. Novak play the two brothers as they produced film’s hit songs.
“Richard Sherman was the embodiment of what it means to be a Disney Legend, creating along with his brother Robert the beloved classics that have become a cherished part of the soundtrack of our lives,” said Bob Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company.
“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 of audiences.
“We are forever grateful for the mark Richard left on the world, and we extend our deepest condolences to his family.”
“You don’t get songs like ‘A Spoonful of Sugar’ without a genuine love of life, which Richard passed on to everyone lucky enough to be around him,” Pete Docter, Chief Creative Officer, Pixar Animation Studios, added.
“Even in his 90s he had more energy and enthusiasm than anyone, and I always left renewed by Richard’s infectious joy for life.”
Sherman was born in New York City on June 12, 1928. His family relocated to Beverly Hills in 1937 after years of cross-country moves.
He attended Beverly Hills High School before majoring in music at Bard College.
Drafted into the United States Army, he served as conductor for the Army band and glee club from 1953 to 1955.
He earnt a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame thanks to his service to the arts industry.
Sherman is survived by his wife Elizabeth Sherman, 66, his children and grandchildren.
A private funeral will take place on May 31 in Los Angeles.
Originally published as Disney composer Richard Sherman dies aged 95
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