Jewish musician behind Disney classics dies

Jewish American musician behind Disney classics dies at 95

The world pays tribute to the great Richard M. Sherman

It’s a page that is turning for the wonderful world of Disney. Richard M. Sherman, the genius composer behind the unforgettable scores of many timeless classics, died Saturday at the age of 95. A huge loss for the 7th art and family entertainment.

With his late brother Robert, he formed one of the most prolific songwriting duos in history. Together, the Sherman Brothers forever left their mark on popular culture by creating the cult melodies of Mary Poppins, The Jungle Book, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and even famous Disney park attractions like It’s a Small World.

Their songs, true treasures of emotion and optimism, have rocked generations of children around the world. “Richard Sherman embodied what it means to be a Disney legend,” said Bob Iger, CEO of the entertainment giant.

Originally from New York, Richard Sherman very early followed in the footsteps of his father, composer of Tin Pan Alley. His meeting in 1960 with Walt Disney himself was the decisive turning point in his career. The studio magician immediately hired him to infuse his talents into the writing of music now engraved in the collective memory.

Phenomenal successes like the two-time Oscar-winning Mary Poppins soundtrack and the jungle-mania anthems of The Jungle Book earned the Sherman brothers worldwide recognition. Their music became the inseparable soundtrack of childhood, celebrating the values ​​of optimism, dreams and wonder dear to Disney.

With more than 200 songs for 27 feature films, not to mention their countless contributions to theme parks, the Shermans have shaped Disney’s musical DNA for decades. A prolific work admired by millions of fans.

The passing of Richard M. Sherman marks the end of an extraordinary era of family entertainment. But his music will forever remain the wonderful and optimistic soundtrack of our lives.

Jforum.fr