Richard M. Sherman, Mary Poppins Songwriter, Dies at 95

Richard M. Sherman, one half of the Sherman Brothers songwriting team best known for their work on Mary Poppins, has died at the age of 95. The Walt Disney Company shared the news of his passing on May 25, citing age-related illness.

Along with his late brother Robert, Sherman won two Academy Awards for Mary Poppins in 1964, taking home Best Original Song for “Chim Chim Cher-ee” as well as Best Substantially Original Score. That score included classics like “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” “A Spoonful of Sugar,” and Walt Disney’s personal favorite, “Feed the Birds.” An incredibly prolific duo, they also wrote songs for films such as The Sword in the Stone, The Jungle Book, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and Bedknobs and Broomsticks. They’re also responsible for the theme park staple, “It’s a Small World (After All).” Sherman and his brother were named Disney Legends in 1990.

“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,” said Disney CEO Bob Iger. “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.”

In total, Sherman was nominated for nine Academy Awards, five Golden Globes, and nine Grammys — winning three — and was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2005. He and his brother are widely considered to be responsible for more movie musical songs than anyone in history.