Richard M. Sherman: A Melodious Legacy
Richard M. Sherman, born on June 12, 1928, in New York City, was a celebrated American songwriter, renowned for his prolific partnership with his brother, Robert B. Sherman. Together, the Sherman Brothers created some of the most memorable and beloved songs in the history of musical film. Richard passed away on May 25, 2024, at the age of 95, leaving behind a rich legacy of music and creativity.
Early Life and Education
Richard Morton Sherman was born into a musically inclined family. His father, Al Sherman, was a well-known songwriter in the Tin Pan Alley era. The family moved frequently before finally settling in Beverly Hills, California, in 1937. Richard attended Beverly Hills High School, where his interest in music flourished. He learned to play several instruments, including the flute, piccolo, and piano. At his high school graduation in 1946, he performed a musical duet with his classmate André Previn, foreshadowing his future success in the music industry.
After high school, Richard attended Bard College, where he majored in music. His initial ambition was to compose symphonies, but he eventually turned to songwriting, a decision that would define his career.
Military Service and Early Career
In 1953, Sherman was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served as a musical conductor for the Army Band and glee club until his honorable discharge in 1955. After his military service, Richard reunited with his brother Robert to pursue songwriting, a venture encouraged by their father.
The Sherman Brothers' Rise to Fame
The Sherman Brothers' breakthrough came in 1958 when their song "Tall Paul," sung by Annette Funicello, became a Top Ten hit. This success caught the attention of Walt Disney, who hired them as staff songwriters for Walt Disney Studios. Their collaboration with Disney resulted in some of the most iconic songs and scores in film history.
Their work on Disney's "Mary Poppins" (1964) earned them two Academy Awards for Best Original Score and Best Original Song for "Chim Chim Cher-ee." The film also featured other timeless classics such as "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" and "Feed The Birds," which became synonymous with the magic of Disney.
The Sherman Brothers continued their success with other Disney films, including "The Jungle Book" (1967), "The Aristocats" (1970), and "Bedknobs and Broomsticks" (1971). One of their most enduring contributions is the song "It's a Small World (After All)," written for the 1964 New York World's Fair and now a staple of Disney theme parks worldwide.
Beyond Disney
After Walt Disney's death in 1966, the Sherman Brothers worked on various non-Disney projects. They wrote the songs for the musical film "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" (1968), which garnered them another Academy Award nomination. They also penned the score for "Charlotte's Web" (1973) and received accolades for their work on "The Slipper and the Rose" (1976).
Their influence extended to stage musicals as well. "Over Here!" (1974) was a Broadway hit, and their adaptation of "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" for the stage enjoyed significant success in London's West End and on Broadway.
Later Years and Legacy
In the later years of his career, Richard M. Sherman continued to collaborate with Disney. He contributed songs to live-action adaptations, including Jon Favreau's "The Jungle Book" (2016) and "Christopher Robin" (2018). He also served as a music consultant for "Mary Poppins Returns" (2018).
The Sherman Brothers were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2005, and they received the National Medal of Arts in 2008. Their music has left an indelible mark on popular culture, enchanting generations of audiences with their melodies and lyrics.
Personal Life
Richard Sherman was married to Ursula Elizabeth Gluck in 1957, and the couple had two children, Gregory Vincent and Victoria Lynn. They lived in Beverly Hills, California, where Richard continued to create music and cherish his family life.
Passing
Richard M. Sherman passed away on May 25, 2024, at the age of 95. His death marks the end of an era for many who grew up with his music, but his legacy lives on through the timeless songs that continue to bring joy and inspiration.
Richard M. Sherman's life was a testament to the power of music to touch hearts and create lasting memories. His contributions to film and music will be remembered and celebrated for generations to come. Thanks for listening - Remember to like and share wherever you  get your podcasts .