Richard M. Sherman, Songwriting Legend of the Sherman Brothers, Passes Away at 95

Richard M. Sherman, one half of the renowned songwriting duo the Sherman Brothers, has passed away at the age of 95. The prolific duo created timeless songs for Disney films like "Mary Poppins," "The Jungle Book," and "The Aristocats," leaving an indelible mark on generations of moviegoers.

Richard M. Sherman, one half of the legendary songwriting duo the Sherman Brothers, passed away on Saturday, May 25, at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Beverly Hills. The news was announced by the Walt Disney Company, which hailed Sherman as a "Disney Legend."

Sherman and his brother Robert, who passed away in 2012, were known for their exceptional musical contributions to Disney films, earning them two Oscars and a Grammy for their work on "Mary Poppins." Their iconic songs, including "Chim Chim Cher-ee" and "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious," have captivated audiences worldwide.

Beyond their Disney collaborations, the Sherman Brothers also penned songs for theme park attractions, such as "There's a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow" for Disneyland's "Carousel of Progress" and "It's a Small World" for the World's Fair in 1964. These compositions have become synonymous with the Disney experience, leaving a lasting legacy in the hearts of millions.

Born in New York City in 1928, Sherman and Robert followed in their father's footsteps in pursuing a career in music. They moved to Beverly Hills in 1937, where Richard attended Bard College, majoring in music. After serving in the U.S. Army, he began collaborating with his brother on songwriting.

In the early 1950s, the Sherman Brothers received their first major break when Annette Funicello recorded their song "Tall Paul." This led to a long-standing partnership with Walt Disney, for whom they wrote over 150 songs, including the soundtracks for "The Sword and the Stone," "The Parent Trap," "Bedknobs and Broomsticks," "The Jungle Book," and "The Aristocats."

Throughout their careers, the Sherman Brothers received numerous accolades, including 23 gold and platinum albums, induction into the Songwriters' Hall of Fame in 2005, and the National Medal of Arts in 2008. They also earned the distinction of being the only Americans to win first prize at the Moscow Film Festival for their musical "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" in 1973.

Sherman's passing has left an irreplaceable void in the world of music and entertainment. His legacy lives on through the timeless songs that bring joy and nostalgia to generations of fans. The Walt Disney Company has announced that a private funeral service will be held on Friday, May 31, followed by a "celebration of life" at a later date.