Richard M. Sherman, the Oscar-winning songwriter known for his iconic work on Disney classics, died on Saturday, 25 May 2024. He was 95.
Richard Sherman dies: Cause of death, biography, reactions
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The exact cause of his death has not been disclosed, but Sherman had been battling age-related health issues.
His passing marks the end of an era for the musical world, particularly in the realm of family entertainment and film scores.
Richard Sherman biography
Richard Morton Sherman was born on 12 June 1928, in New York City.
Alongside his brother Robert B. Sherman, he formed one of the most successful songwriting partnerships in the history of music.
The Sherman Brothers were responsible for some of the most memorable songs in cinema, particularly for Disney.
Their collaboration began in the late 1950s and continued for decades, leaving an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.
The Shermans’ breakthrough came with their work on the 1964 Disney film Mary Poppins, for which they won two Academy Awards, including Best Original Song for Chim Chim Cher-ee and Best Original Score.
Their music for Mary Poppins included beloved songs like A Spoonful of Sugar and Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.
The success of Mary Poppins cemented their reputation as premier songwriters for film.
Following Mary Poppins, the Sherman Brothers contributed to numerous other Disney projects, including The Jungle Book (1967), The Aristocats (1970), and Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971).
They also wrote songs for the 1968 film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, which featured the Academy Award-nominated title song.
Their work extended beyond Disney, contributing to various projects in film, television, and theme parks.
Richard Sherman’s legacy is one of joy, creativity, and an unparalleled contribution to family entertainment.
His work has been celebrated with numerous awards, including Academy Awards, Grammy Awards, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
In addition to his professional achievements, Sherman was known for his infectious enthusiasm and love for life, which he shared with everyone around him.
Reactions to Sherman’s death
The news of Richard Sherman’s passing has elicited heartfelt reactions from across the entertainment industry and beyond. Pete Docter, director and Pixar chief creative officer, said in a statement:
“You don’t get songs like ‘Spoonful of Sugar’ without a genuine love of life, which Richard passed on to everyone lucky enough to be around him. Even in his 90s, he had more energy and enthusiasm than anyone, and I always left renewed by Richard’s infectious joy for life.”
Fans and colleagues took to social media to express their condolences and share their memories of Sherman’s impact.
Here are some of the reactions we picked: