There are many Disney Legends who have made our childhoods (and adulthoods) full of laughter and cheer.
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Many celebrities, Imagineers, animators, and, of course, Walt himself have touched our hearts over the 100 years of the Walt Disney Company. However, there is one duo who may have impacted many Disney fans more than we even realize. Music is the heart of a movie. It can make you laugh, cry, or even feel scared. Sadly, one Disney legend, whose music has reached us since the beginning, has passed away.
Richard M. Sherman was the brother of Robert B. Sherman, but the two were probably best known simply as The Sherman Brothers. The Sherman Brothers were the songwriters of MANY wonderful Disney films, but are especially known for their work on Mary Poppins, The Jungle Book, and even the ever-popular song “it’s a small world.”
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Sadly, Richard Sherman passed away on Saturday, May 25th at the age of 95. He died of an age-related illness. Richard Sherman and his brother (who passed away in 2012) received several Oscars, Grammy awards, and gold and platinum albums over the course of their careers. They were commonly known for working and creating songs directly with Walt Disney, often playing and singing together in his office. Until Richard’s passing, he was the only person left who was still allowed to play Walt’s piano.
Walt Disney’s piano
If Walt ever had a bad day or a bad week, Richard would visit him in his office and Walt would simply say, “Play it,” and Sherman knew what to do. Sherman would play Walt’s favorite song “Feed the Birds” while Walt sat and stared out the window and listened.
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CEO Bob Iger stated, “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. 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.”
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Pete Docter, the Chief Creative Officer at Pixar Animation Studios, shared, “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. Even in his 90s, he had more energy and enthusiasm than anyone, and I always left renewed by Richard’s infectious joy for life.”
Richard is survived by his wife of 66 years, Elizabeth; son Gregory and grandsons William and Matthew; daughter Victoria Wolf, son-in-law Doug Wolf, and grandchildren Mandy and Anthony. He is also survived by his daughter from a previous marriage, Lynda Rothstein, as well as her two children and three grandchildren. The life of Richard Sherman will be remembered for many generations to come, and we thank him for his timeless gift to all of us. His family is in our thoughts.