Summary
Richard M. Shermanhas passed away. The legendary songwriter, who composed music alongside his brother Robert B. Sherman (who pre-deceased him in 2012 at age 86) as The Sherman Brothers, is best known for contributing music to more than a dozen classic Disney properties, both live-action and animated, includingMary Poppins,The Jungle Book,The Sword in the Stone, andThe Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. Over the years, the duo were nominated for nine Oscars, winning two for Best Original Score forMary Poppinsand Best Original Song for “Chim Chim Cher-ee.”
PerThe Walt Disney Company, Richard M. Shermanpassed away at the age of 95 due to age-related illness. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Gluck, with whom he had been married since 1957. Altogether, Sherman also has three children and six grandchildren. As part of the press release, Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger said that “we are forever grateful for the mark Richard left on the world.”
Richard M. Sherman Leaves Behind A Long-Lasting Legacy
Sherman Was A Multitalented Artist
The cultural imprint that Sherman leaves behind is almost incalculably large. In addition to writing music for many classic Disney titles, a roster that also includesBedknobs and BroomsticksandThe Happiest Millionaire, he and his brother also contributed to other iconic works includingSnoopy Come Home, the movie musical adaptation ofChitty Chitty Bang Bang, and 1973’sCharlotte’s Web. They also contributed non-film music to the company’s library,includingpenning “It’s a Small Word"for theDisney theme park rideof the same name.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Movie vs. Book Comparison: Biggest Musical Changes
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was a book before it was a musical, and some things were altered when it was adapted. How do the two versions compare?
While the brothers were best known for their work in movies, as can be seen in the breakdown of the Oscar nominations below, Sherman also dabbled in many other art forms. As screenwriters, he and Robert penned half a dozen scripts for projects, including 1973’sThe Adventures of Tom Sawyerand its 1974 follow-upThe Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. In addition to having their movie work frequently adapted to the stage,they also wrote music and lyrics for original stage musicals,including 1971’sVictory Canteenand 1974’sOver Here!
Bedknobs and Broomsticks(1971)
Original Song Score
The Slipper and the Rose: The Story of Cinderella(1977)
Original Song Score, Original Song (“He / She Danced With Me”)
The Magic of Lassie(1978)
Original Song (“When You’re Loved”)
The long-lasting legacy of Sherman and his brother can also be explored in the 2009Disney documentaryThe Boys: The Sherman Brothers' Story. Needless to say,Richard M. Shermanwill be sorely missed by his friends, family, and legions of longtime fans. However, his legacy lives on in classics that have stood the test of time and will continue to showcase his talents as well as his many contributions to the entertainment industry for time immemorial.
