Richard M. Sherman, half of the Academy Award Winning songwriting team- The Sherman Brothers- died on May 25th at 95 due to age-related illness. Richard Sherman (along with his other half, fellow Disney Legend, brother Robert Sherman) was an important member of Walt Disney’s circle of creative talents. He achieved nine Academy Award Nominations, winning two Oscars for his work on Mary Poppins (1964), 3 Grammy Awards, and received 24 gold and platinum albums over his 65-year career. He and his brother became Disney Legends in 1990. 

The Sherman brothers are best known for their work on Mary Poppins but also contributed to Disney Films such as  The Sword in the Stone (1963), Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree (1966), The Jungle Book (1967), and The Aristocats (1970). They also contributed their musical talents to attractions such as The Tiki, Tiki, Tiki Room and It’s a Small World. 

The Sherman Brothers left Disney in the early 1970s to pursue other film projects such as Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968), Snoopy Come Home (1972), Charlotte’s Web (1973), The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (1973),  and Huckleberry Finn (1974). They made history with The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by becoming the first Americans to win 1st Prize at the Moscow Film Festival. 

“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.”