Richard M. Sherman - one half of Disney's Academy Award-winning Sherman Brothers - has sadly passed away at the age of 95.
The beloved songwriter died on Saturday (May 25), at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Beverly Hills, The Walt Disney Company has confirmed.
His cause of death has been reported as "age-related illness".
"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Disney Legend Richard Sherman. Your songs are the soundtrack to so many of our memories, including the iconic 'Feed the Birds'. Thank you for filling the world with your joy and for the incredible legacy of music you created," Disney wrote on its section media pages.
Richard - along with his brother and fellow Disney Legend Robert B. Sherman - penned the soundtrack for so many of our childhoods.
In fact, not only did the brothers' work on the 1964 Mary Poppins soundtrack earn them two Oscars, but the beautiful track 'Feed The Birds' would go on to become Walt Disney's favorite song ever.
In documentary's about the cartoonists life, Richard recalled how Walt would sometimes call him into his office and ask the songwriter to "Play it". Sherman knew exactly what this meant, and he would sit down at the piano in Walt's office and play 'Feed The Birds', often while Disney would just stare out of the window.
Up until his death, Richard Sherman was the only person on the planet who was granted permission to play the piano in Walt Disney's office.
Disney CEO Bob Iger has honored Richard in a heartfelt statement, saying: “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.
"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."
Fans of Disney movies or the theme parks will instantly recognize many of the Sherman Brothers' songs - from the Carousel of Progress' 'There's a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow' to the Tiki Room's catchy anthem.
From The Jungle Book's 'I Wan'na Be Like You' to Mary Poppins' 'Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious'.
Throughout his legendary 65-year career, Richard Sherman won two Academy Awards, three Grammys, and was honored with 24 gold and platinum albums.
Thank you for the memories, Richard.
