Ninety-five-year-old Richard M. Sherman, who co-wrote famous tunes for 'Mary Poppins' and 'It's a Small World,' has passed away.
In an announcement on the official Walt Disney Company website, Richard Sherman was remembered as a prolific composer-lyricist, as well as a vital member of Walt Disney's core creative team. His passing on Saturday at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, was attributed to age-related health issues.
In 1965, Richard Sherman, alongside his brother, received two Academy Awards for their work on "Mary Poppins," one for best original score and the other for best original song "Chim Chim Cher-ee." They also received seven additional nominations in the 1970s for movies like "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" and "Bedknobs and Broomsticks." Apart from that, they were also awarded a Grammy for best original score for "Mary Poppins."
The announcement also mentioned their contributions to numerous Disney theme park attractions. They composed songs such as "There's a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow," the "Tiki, Tiki, Tiki Room," and their most renowned creation, "It's a Small World," for the iconic ride which portrays various cultures from around the world collectively singing the same song in different languages. According to the announcement, Sherman himself had described the song as a "prayer for peace."
Bob Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company, recollected, "Richard Sherman was the essence of what it feels like to be a Disney Legend, crafting with his brother Robert the timeless masterpieces that have become an indelible part of our lives." He expressed his gratitude for Sherman's everlasting impact on the world and offered his heartfelt condolences to his family.
In conclusion, Richard Sherman, along with his brother, created melodies that resonated with generations of Disney fans through films like "Mary Poppins" and "The Jungle Book," as well as theme park attractions like "it's a small world." His inspiring gift didn't just produce music but also forged a sense of unity and peace with his memorable compositions. His absence will be deeply felt, and our condolences go out to his family during this trying time.
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Source: edition.cnn.com
