Robert B. Sherman, half of the acclaimed and prolific Sherman Brothers songwriting team, passed away in London, England, on March 5 at The London Clinic, from an age-related illness. He was 86 years old.
In collaboration with his brother, Richard M. Sherman (who survives him), Robert wrote some of the most memorable and beloved songs in the history of modern family entertainment. Personally selected by Walt Disney to write songs for his films, television shows, and theme parks, the Sherman Brothers had perhaps their biggest career milestone with the 1964 Disney masterpiece Mary Poppins, for which they received two of the film’s five Oscar wins for Best Song (“Chim Chim Cher-ee”) and Best Original Score.
They are responsible for more motion picture musical song scores than any other songwriting team in film history.
“Today, on behalf of everyone at Disney, we mourn the loss of an extraordinary talent, Robert Sherman,” Disney President and CEO Bob Iger said in a statement. “One of the world’s greatest songwriters and a true Disney legend, his legacy will endure forever through the magic of his music. From Mary Poppins and it’s a small world to Winnie the Pooh and The Jungle Book, Robert, along with his brother Richard, wrote many of Disney’s most memorable and beloved songs, which continue to enchant millions of people around the world to this day.”