Richard M. Sherman, Disney Music Legend, Passes Away at Age 95

Disney music legend Richard M. Sherman, half of the iconic Sherman Brothers songwriting duo, has passed away at the age of 95. The Walt Disney Company confirmed his death, citing age-related illness as the cause.

Sherman, who achieved fame alongside his brother Robert, first gained recognition in Hollywood in 1959 with their hit song “Tall Paul.” Their success caught the attention of Walt Disney, who hired them as staff songwriters for Walt Disney Studios. Together, they created timeless classics such as “Jungle Book,” “Mary Poppins,” “The Sword in the Stone,” and “Aristocats.”

Their most iconic work remains “Mary Poppins,” for which Richard Sherman won two Academy Awards for Best Score and Best Original Song. The duo also composed music for non-Disney films like “Charlotte’s Web,” “The Magic of Lassie,” and “The Slipper and the Rose: The Story of Cinderella.”

In 2005, Richard and Robert were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and they later received the National Medal of the Arts. Richard continued to work in the industry until his passing, appearing in the short film “Once Upon A Studio” just last year.

Richard Sherman is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, son Gregory, daughters Victoria and Lynda, and several grandchildren. A private service will be held on May 31 to honor his life and legacy. Disney fans around the world are mourning the loss of a true music legend.