Richard M. Sherman, the legendary songwriter known for his work on beloved films like “Mary Poppins,” passed away at 95 on Saturday. He died of age-related complications at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, as confirmed by Disney.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, May 31, at Hillside Memorial Park Cemetery in Culver City, California. Richard is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Gluck, whom he married in 1957. They had two children, Gregory and Victoria, and Richard also had a daughter, Lynda, from a previous marriage to Corrine Newman.
Sherman’s illustrious career was marked by numerous accolades, including two Oscars and three Grammy Awards. His collaborations with his brother, Robert B. Sherman, left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.
Disney CEO Bob Iger paid tribute to Sherman, saying, “Richard Sherman embodied what it means to be a Disney Legend, creating beloved classics that have become a cherished part of the soundtrack of our lives. 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.”
Pete Docter, Chief Creative Officer at Pixar Animation Studios, expressed his admiration: “You don’t get songs like ‘Spoonful of Sugar’ without a true love of life, which Richard shared with everyone around him. Even in his 90s, he had more energy and enthusiasm than anyone, and I always felt renewed by Richard’s infectious joy for life.”
Film historian Leonard Maltin remarked, “The Sherman brothers were professional optimists who found a great patron in Walt Disney. Their music had an upbeat outlook that spilled over into Richard’s life, which was not without its challenges.”
Richard Sherman was born on June 12, 1928, in New York City. Following in their father’s footsteps, he and his brother Robert became songwriters. The family moved to Beverly Hills in 1937, where Richard attended Beverly Hills High School, learning various instruments such as the piano and flute. He graduated in 1946, performing at the ceremony with classmate Andre Previn, who later won four Oscars.
Drafted into the U.S. Army in 1953, Richard served in the Army Band until 1955.He attended Bard College in New York, majoring in music. After graduation, Richard and Robert began writing songs together, founding the Music World Corporation in 1958. Their song “Tall Paul,” sung by Annette Funicello, became a top 10 hit, catching Walt Disney’s attention. The Sherman brothers were soon hired as songwriters for the Walt Disney Company.