Robert B. Sherman

Robert B. Sherman (1925–2012) was an Oscar-winning American composer and lyricist best known as one half of the legendary songwriting team The Sherman Brothers, alongside his brother Richard M. Sherman. Born on December 19, 1925, in New York City, Robert was the son of Tin Pan Alley songwriter Al Sherman. After serving in World War II—where he was wounded and received the Purple Heart—Robert returned to the U.S. and began writing songs, eventually forming a long-lasting creative partnership with his younger brother.

Together, Robert and Richard Sherman became Walt Disney’s go-to songwriting duo in the 1960s, crafting many of the most iconic songs in family entertainment history. Their work on Mary Poppins (1964) earned them two Academy Awards—for Best Original Song (“Chim Chim Cher-ee”) and Best Original Score. The film’s soundtrack, including enduring hits like “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” and “A Spoonful of Sugar,” remains one of the most beloved in musical cinema. The Shermans’ blend of catchy melodies and heartfelt lyrics became a hallmark of the Disney musical style.

Beyond Mary Poppins, Robert B. Sherman co-wrote songs for many other Disney classics, including The Jungle Book, The Aristocats, Bedknobs and Broomsticks, and Winnie the Pooh. The duo also composed the globally recognized theme park tune “It’s a Small World (After All),” which has been translated into dozens of languages and played millions of times since its debut at the 1964 New York World’s Fair. Outside of Disney, they contributed to the films Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Charlotte’s Web, further solidifying their reputation as masters of family-oriented music.

Robert B. Sherman’s lyrics often reflected a sense of optimism, whimsy, and emotional warmth. While Richard focused more on composing, Robert’s strength was in crafting vivid, story-driven lyrics that appealed to audiences of all ages. Despite occasional creative tensions between the brothers, their collaboration produced over 200 songs and spanned more than five decades, earning them induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2005 and the National Medal of Arts in 2008.

Robert B. Sherman passed away on March 5, 2012, in London at the age of 86. His legacy lives on through generations of fans who grew up singing the songs he wrote. Whether bringing joy to children through animated films or inspiring wonder in theme park visitors, Robert B. Sherman helped shape the soundscape of 20th-century popular culture. His work continues to enchant audiences worldwide, offering timeless melodies filled with imagination and heart.