Richard M. Sherman, one of the most prolific Disney film composers, helped shape the sound of a generation with timeless scores for Mary Poppins, The Jungle Book, and more. He passed away this Saturday in Los Angeles at the age of 95, leaving behind a remarkable legacy in music and film.
Alongside his brother Robert B. Sherman, who lived from 1925 to 2012, Sherman became a powerhouse in family entertainment. The duo, known for their abundant output, stood as a central creative force within the early Disney era and remained close to the inner circle of Walt Disney’s most trusted talents. The company honored him in a statement, underscoring his status as a driving contributor to a shared musical language that defined generations of audiences.
The composer died of natural causes and is celebrated for his work on the 1964 classic Mary Poppins. Over a long career, he earned three Grammy Awards and was awarded 24 gold and platinum albums, marking a span of 65 years in which his music reached fans across ages and borders.
His repertoire crossed the early days of rock and roll, where songs like You’re Sixteen resonated with listeners, and spread into television, Broadway, and Hollywood. Sherman and his brother helped mold a musical era that bridged cinema and television, enriching the way audiences experience story and song.
Bob Iger, chief executive of The Walt Disney Company, described Richard Sherman as a true Disney legend. He noted that the brothers crafted beloved classics that have become treasured parts of many lives, a reflection of the enduring impact of their work within the broader Disney legacy.
The executive expressed deep gratitude for the permanent mark the musician left on American cinema and television, recognizing how Sherman’s birthplace in New York City and his artistry helped shape a national cultural mood that continues to echo today.
Pete Docter, Pixar’s chief creative officer, highlighted Sherman’s remarkable energy and optimism. Even into his 90s, Sherman reportedly possessed a vitality and a contagious joy that inspired colleagues and audiences alike, fueling a creative motivation that outpaced time.
As creators, the Sherman brothers contributed to a wide array of projects, including The Absent-Minded Professor (1961), Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree (1966), The Jungle Book (1967), The Aristocats (1970), and Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971). Their music helped define a shared American musical vocabulary that remains influential in film and animation.
In total, the brothers wrote more than 200 songs for about 27 films and 24 television productions for Disney. Their partnership produced a catalog that continues to be discovered by new generations, ensuring their tunes remain woven into the fabric of popular culture.
In 2005, the Sherman brothers were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Three years later, they received the National Medal of Arts from the United States, recognizing their immense contributions to the arts. Their work endures as a vivid reminder of how melody can elevate storytelling and connect audiences across decades.