Richard M. Sherman

Richard Morton Sherman was born on June 12, 1928, in New York City to Russian-Jewish immigrant parents. The family relocated to Beverly Hills in 1937, where Richard developed a strong interest in music during his school years. He mastered several instruments, including piano, flute, and piccolo, and performed a graduation duet with classmate André Previn. Sherman went on to study music at Bard College, where he composed classical pieces and honed his songwriting talents, setting the stage for a remarkable career in musical entertainment.

In the 1950s, Richard joined creative forces with his older brother, Robert B. Sherman. Encouraged by their father, Tin Pan Alley songwriter Al Sherman, the brothers began writing pop songs. They scored early chart successes with hits like “Tall Paul” and “You’re Sixteen,” which caught the attention of Walt Disney. Impressed by their melodic sensibility and lyrical charm, Disney brought them on as staff songwriters at Disney Studios, where they began crafting music that would define generations.

The Sherman Brothers quickly became Disney’s most trusted songwriting duo. Their contributions include some of the most beloved songs in film history, such as “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” “Chim Chim Cher-ee,” and “Feed the Birds” from Mary Poppins, as well as work on The Jungle Book, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Bedknobs and Broomsticks, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, and The Aristocats. They also wrote “It’s a Small World (After All),” a theme-park song that has become one of the most performed songs in the world.

Throughout their career, the Sherman Brothers received numerous accolades, including two Academy Awards for Mary Poppins, three Grammy Awards, and a National Medal of Arts. Their music earned gold and platinum records and helped shape the musical identity of Disney during its golden age. Their storytelling through song resonated with audiences young and old, blending warmth, wit, and wonder into timeless melodies.

After Robert’s passing in 2012, Richard Sherman continued to write and consult on various projects well into his 90s. He contributed music to films like Christopher Robin and developed new works such as Mushka. Richard passed away on May 25, 2024, at the age of 95. His legacy endures through generations of fans, with his music continuing to bring joy in theatres, theme parks, and homes around the world.