Disney songwriting legend Richard Sherman dies at 95

Richard M. Sherman, the prolific composer-lyricist who with his late brother Robert penned some of Disney’s most popular songs, including “Chim Chim Cher-ee” and “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” from the 1964 classic “Mary Poppins,” died Saturday at the age of 95, the Burbank-based entertainment giant announced.

“Richard Sherman was the embodiment of what it means to be a Disney Legend, creating along with his brother Robert the beloved classics that have become a cherished part of the soundtrack of our lives,” Bob Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company, said in a statement Saturday. “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 of audiences. We are forever grateful for the mark Richard left on the world, and we extend our deepest condolences to his family.”

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 04: Composer Richard Sherman attends The World Premiere of Disney’s “THE JUNGLE BOOK” at the El Capitan Theatre on April 4, 2016 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney)

BEVERLY HILLS, CA – OCTOBER 01: President of Pixar Animation Studios & Disney Animation Studios, Ed Catmull, composer Richard Sherman and CEO of Pixar Animation Studios, Disney Animation Studios & Disney Toon Studios, John Lasseter attend The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences Celebrates The 20th Annivesary of “Toy Story” With John Lasseter and Ed Catmull AMPAS Samuel Goldwyn Theater on October 1, 2015 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)

ANAHEIM, CA – MAY 09: Composers Richard Sherman (L) and Michael Giacchino (R) attend the world premiere of Disney’s “Tomorrowland” at Disneyland, Anaheim on May 9, 2015 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney)

LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 14: Songwriter Robert Lopez, composer Richard Sherman, songwriter Kristen Anderson-Lopez and CEO of Pixar, Walt Disney Animation Studios, and DisneyToon Studios, John Lasseter attend The Los Angeles Children’s Chorus’ Annual Gala Bel Canto honoring Ed Nowak and “Frozen” songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez at The Dorothy Chandler Pavilion on April 14, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)

BURBANK, CA – DECEMBER 10: Actor Josh Gad (L) and songwriter Richard Sherman attend the 90 Years of Disney Animation celebration at Walt Disney Studios on December 10, 2013 in Burbank, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney Animation)

BURBANK, CA – DECEMBER 10: Voice actor Joah Gad, “Olaf” (L) and Richard Sherman, composer, Mary Poppins and Jungle Book pose at a reception to celebrate 90 Years of Disney animation at The Walt Disney Studios on December 10, 2013 in Burbank, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

HOLLYWOOD, CA – NOVEMBER 09: (L-R) Arlene Silver, actor Dick Van Dyke, composer Richard M. Sherman and Ursula Elizabeth Sherman attend the 50th anniversary commemoration screening of Disney’s “Mary Poppins” during AFI FEST 2013 presented by Audi at TCL Chinese Theatre on November 9, 2013 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Valerie Macon/Getty Images for AFI)

HOLLYWOOD, CA – NOVEMBER 09: Composer Richard M. Sherman attends the 50th anniversary commemoration screening of Disney’s “Mary Poppins” during AFI FEST 2013 presented by Audi at TCL Chinese Theatre on November 9, 2013 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for AFI)

HOLLYWOOD, CA – NOVEMBER 09: Actor Dick Van Dyke (L), composer Richard M. Sherman attend the 50th anniversary commemoration screening of Disney’s “Mary Poppins” during AFI FEST 2013 presented by Audi at TCL Chinese Theatre on November 9, 2013 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for AFI)

HOLLYWOOD, CA – NOVEMBER 09: (L-R) Actor Dick Van Dyke, actress Karen Dotrice, and composer Richard M. Sherman attend the 50th anniversary commemoration screening of Disney’s “Mary Poppins” during AFI FEST 2013 presented by Audi at TCL Chinese Theatre on November 9, 2013 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for AFI)

HOLLYWOOD – MAY 19: Songwriter Richard Sherman arrrives at a screening of Walt Disney’s “the boys: the sherman brother’s story” held at the El Capitan Theatre on May 19, 2009 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)

HOLLYWOOD – MAY 19: Director/producer Gregory Sherman and songwriter Richard Sherman arrrive at a screening of Walt Disney’s “the boys: the sherman brother’s story” held at the El Capitan Theatre on May 19, 2009 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)

HOLLYWOOD – MAY 19: Songwriter Richard Sherman and actor Jon Voight arrrive at a screening of Walt Disney’s “the boys: the sherman brother’s story” held at the El Capitan Theatre on May 19, 2009 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)

HOLLYWOOD – MAY 19: Director/producer Gregory Sherman, songwriter Richard Sherman and director/producer Jeffrey Sherman arrrive at a screening of Walt Disney’s “the boys: the sherman brother’s story” held at the El Capitan Theatre on May 19, 2009 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)

HOLLYWOOD – MAY 19: Songwriter Richard Sherman and singer Kenny Loggins arrrive at a screening of Walt Disney’s “the boys: the sherman brother’s story” held at the El Capitan Theatre on May 19, 2009 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)

HOLLYWOOD – MAY 19: Songwriter Richard M. Sherman arrrives at a screening of Walt Disney’s “the boys: the sherman brother’s story” held at the El Capitan Theatre on May 19, 2009 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)

SAN FRANCISCO – APRIL 25: In this handout image provided by Walt Disney Studios, Gregory V. Sherman, Richard M. Sherman and Jeffrey C. Sherman attend the world premiere screening of “The Boys: The Sherman Brothers� Story” at the Premier Theater in the Letterman Digital Arts Center in the Presidio on April 25, 200 in San Francisco, California. The Screening was part of the San Francisco International Film Festival, and co-sponsored by The Walt Disney Family Museum, opening in the Presidio this fall. Reception following the screening took place in the museum�s reception hall, the first event to be held in the newly renovated space.(Photo by Drew Altizer Photography/ Walt Disney Studios via Getty Images)

ANAHEIM, CA – MAY 04: Composer Richard Sherman is seen attending the “Gold Carpet” arrivals on Main Street U.S.A. during the Disneyland 50th Anniversary Celebration at Disneyland Park on May 4, 2005 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

ANAHEIM, CA – MAY 04: Composer Richard Sherman is seen with Minnie Mouse attending the “Gold Carpet” arrivals on Main Street U.S.A. during the Disneyland 50th Anniversary Celebration at Disneyland Park on May 4, 2005 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES – NOVEMBER 30: Musical composer Richard Sherman conducts the band at the after-party for Disney’s “Mary Poppins” 40th Anniversary Edition DVD Launch party and screening at Hollywood and Highland on November 30, 2004 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

HOLLYWOOD, CA – NOVEMBER 29: Music Consultant Richard Sherman (L) and Diane Warren attend Disney’s ‘Mary Poppins Returns’ World Premiere at the Dolby Theatre on November 29, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney)

BURBANK, CA – JULY 30: (L-R) Mickey Mouse, Elizabeth Sherman, Songwriter Richard M. Sherman and Minnie Mouse attend the dedication and re-naming of the historic Orchestra Stage, now the Sherman Brothers Stage A, on the Disney Burbank lot prior to the world premiere of Disney’s ‘Christopher Robin’ at the studio’s Main Theater, on July 30, 2018. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney)

BURBANK, CA – JULY 30: Songwriter Richard M. Sherman (L) and Producer Brigham Taylor attend the world premiere of Disney’s ‘Christopher Robin’ at the Main Theater on the Walt Disney Studios lot in Burbank, CA on July 30, 2018. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney)

BURBANK, CA – JULY 30: (L-R) Ewan McGregor, Richard M. Sherman, and Marc Forster attend the stage dedication to the Sherman Brothers during the premiere of Disney’s ‘Christopher Robin’ at Walt Disney Studios on July 30, 2018 in Burbank, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

BURBANK, CA – JULY 30: Richard M. Sherman (L) and Lesley Ann Warren attend the stage dedication to the Sherman Brothers during the premiere of Disney’s ‘Christopher Robin’ at Walt Disney Studios on July 30, 2018 in Burbank, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

ANAHEIM, CA – NOVEMBER 01: Master of Ceremonies, Neil Patrick Harris (L) and Composer Richard Sherman speak onstage during The Walt Disney Family Museum’s 2nd Annual Gala at Disneys Grand Californian Hotel & Spa at The Disneyland Resort on November 1, 2016 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images for The Walt Disney Family Museum)

ANAHEIM, CA – NOVEMBER 01: Composer Richard Sherman performs onstage during The Walt Disney Family Museum’s 2nd Annual Gala at Disneys Grand Californian Hotel & Spa at The Disneyland Resort on November 1, 2016 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images for The Walt Disney Family Museum)

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 04: (L-R) Producer Brigham Taylor, composer Richard Sherman, Chairman and CEO, The Walt Disney Company, Bob Iger and director Jon Favreau attend The World Premiere of Disney’s “THE JUNGLE BOOK” at the El Capitan Theatre on April 4, 2016 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney)

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Sherman died at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center due to age-related illness, Disney said.

Sherman was born in New York City but moved to Beverly Hills with his family in 1937, where he later attended Beverly Hills High School. He majored in music at Bard College and later served as conductor for the U.S. Army band and glee club from 1953-55.

Gene Autry was the first to record a Sherman brothers song with 1951’s “Gold Can Buy You Anything But Love,” and the sibling songwriters got another big break several years later when Annette Funicello recorded their song “Tall Paul.” That tune, which peaked at No. 7 on the charts, caught the attention of Walt Disney, who hired the Sherman brothers as staff songwriters for The Walt Disney Studios.

They wrote songs for feature films including “The Absent-Minded Professor” (1961), “The Parent Trap” (1961), “Summer Magic” (1963), “Mary Poppins” (1964), “Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree” (1966), “The Jungle Book” (1967), “The Happiest Millionaire” (1967), “The Aristocats” (1970), and “Bedknobs and Broomsticks” (1971).

They would ultimately write more than 200 songs for some 27 films and 24 television productions.

They also contributed music for a number of theme park attractions around the world, including There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow, The Tiki, Tiki, Tiki Room, and It’s a Small World. Richard once described the latter tune as “a prayer for peace.”

The brothers returned in the early 1980s to write songs for Disney’s Epcot Center in Orlando and Tokyo Disneyland, including “One Little Spark” and “Meet the World.”

Beyond their work with Disney, the Sherman Brothers provided music, songs and occasional screen plays to such memorable family films as “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” (1968), “Snoopy Come Home” (1972), “Charlotte’s Web” (1973), “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” (1973) and “Huckleberry Finn” (1974).

Richard earned nine Academy Award nominations, winning two Oscars for his work on “Mary Poppins.” He also won three Grammy Awards, and received 24 gold and platinum albums over the course of his 65-year career.

Richard and his brother were inducted as Disney Legends in 1990. They were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2005, and were awarded the National Medal of the Arts in 2008.

“The Sherman brothers were professional optimists who found a perfect patron in Walt Disney,” film historian Leonard Maltin said. “Their songs had an upbeat outlook that spilled over into Richard’s life, which was not without its troubles and challenges. He was especially proud that he and his brother carried on a songwriting career like their father, who encouraged them early on.”

Robert Sherman died in 2012.

Richard stayed active through his later years, writing new lyrics for the live-action “The Jungle Book” in 2016 and composing three new songs for “Christopher Robin” in 2018.

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In 2023, he wrote a new song with composer Fabrizio Mancinelli for Disney Legend Andreas Deja’s 2023 animated short, “Mushka.” Titled “Mushka’s Lullabye,” the song was sung by acclaimed soprano Holly Sedillos.

Richard is survived by his wife of 66 years, Elizabeth; son Gregory and grandsons William and Matthew; daughter Victoria Wolf, son-in-law Doug Wolf, and grandchildren Mandy and Anthony. He is also survived by his daughter from a previous marriage, Lynda Rothstein, as well as her two children and three grandchildren.

A private funeral is scheduled to take place May 31 at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Mortuary in Bakersfield, Disney officials said. Plans for a celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

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