Today is the 92nd birthday for Richard M. Sherman. He, along with his brother Robert, helped create many of the magical tunes that have brought so many Disney movies and attractions to life. This man exudes kindness and Disney magic as he shares his music with the world.
Richard M. Sherman was born in New York City on June 12, 1928. His parents moved around a lot when he was a child but they eventually found their way to California in 1937. There, Sherman would live and eventually graduate from Beverly Hills High School, where he also found he had a deep interest in music. After high school, Sherman studied music at Bard College. In 1953 he was drafted into the Army, where he worked as a musical conductor before an honorable discharge in 1955.
Through the years, much of Richard M. Sherman’s greatest successes came from the collaboration with his older brother Robert B. Sherman. They began working together after being challenged by their father a couple of years after graduating. Their first top ten hit came when they wrote Tall Paul and it was sung by Annette Funicello. This caught the attention of Walt Disney and began a collaboration that exemplified Disney magic. Disney hired the Sherman Brothers as staff writers at the Walt Disney Studios.
At the Walt Disney Studios, the Sherman Brothers together wrote many memorable tunes for the stories that Walt Disney and his team were creating. This includes the enchanting music of Mary Poppins, the catchy tunes of The Parent Trap, and the and the heartwarming music of Summer Magic. The Sherman Brothers also wrote some of the toe-tapping numbers found in The Jungle Book. Through the rest of Walt Disney’s life, they worked directly for Disney himself. Sometimes Richard would be asked to play Walt Disney’s favorite song, Feed the Birds.
Movies weren’t the only places that the Sherman Brothers were creating Disney magic though. They also created iconic songs for Disney attractions as well. In the parks, the Sherman Brothers are responsible for classics like it’s a small world, The Tiki, Tiki, Tiki Room, and There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow.
Following Walt Disney’s death, the Sherman Brothers continued to write magical and memorable music both for Disney and elsewhere. In the coming decades, they would be responsible for the music of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, The Aristocats, Bedknobs and Broomsticks, Charlotte’s Web, and many others.
Throughout his life, Richard M. Sherman has brought joy to millions through his music, his kindness, and his wonderful stories. For those who have met them, they discover a man who is friendly and kind. The exact man you would expect behind so much magical music. Every encounter with Richard M. Sherman is simply magical and leads to a memorable story to be told later. Sherman is truly a Disney legend and an all-around nice guy. DAPS MAGIC wishes him the happiest of birthdays! Thank you for all the magic, Richard M. Sherman!
What is your favorite song that Richard M. Sherman has worked on? Share your birthday wishes, a favorite song, or other magical memories regarding Richard M. Sherman in the comments or on the DAPS MAGIC Facebook or Twitter!
Richard M. Sherman Memories
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