Richard M. Sherman, the Oscar-winning songwriter known for his work with Disney, passed away on Saturday at 95. Disney announced his death, revealing that he died of age-related illness at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Richard and his older brother, Robert Sherman, were a prolific songwriting duo, creating around 1,000 songs and scores for 50 movies. They contributed more songs to movie musicals than any other songwriting team in history.
The Sherman Brothers are famous for Disney classics such as “Mary Poppins,” “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” and “The Jungle Book.” Richard co-wrote “It’s a Small World (After All),” one of the most performed songs ever, and “You’re Sixteen,” a chart-topping hit for Ringo Starr.
Throughout his career, Richard earned nine Academy Award nominations, winning two Oscars for the 1964 classic “Mary Poppins.” He and his brother received awards for Best Original Score and Best Song (“Chim Chim Cher-ee”).
In addition to his Oscars, Richard won three Grammy Awards and received 24 gold and platinum albums over his 65-year career.
Richard is survived by his wife of 66 years, Elizabeth; his son Gregory and grandsons William and Matthew; his daughter Victoria Wolf, son-in-law Doug Wolf, and grandchildren Mandy and Anthony. He is also survived by his daughter from a previous marriage, Lynda Rothstein, along with her two children and three grandchildren.