He wrote classics for the Walt Disney films “Mary Poppins” and “The Jungle Book”, among others: Songwriter Richard Sherman died on Saturday in Beverly Hills at the age of 95. The Walt Disney Company announced this on its website.
Together with his older brother Robert, who died in 2012, Richard Sherman wrote hundreds of songs for dozens of cinema and television films. In Germany, the songs from “The Jungle Book” became particularly well-known – such as “I Wanna Be Like You”, which was also released in German under the title “Ich wär’ so gerne wie du”.
Two Oscars, three Grammys, 24 gold and platinum albums
According to the Disney Company, Sherman won two Oscars over the course of his 65-year career – both for the 1964 musical film “Mary Poppins,” including the song “Chim Chim Cher-ee.” He was nominated for the trophy nine times in total, and was also awarded three Grammys and 24 gold and platinum albums.
“Generations of moviegoers and theme park visitors have been introduced to the Disney world through the Sherman brothers’ magnificent and timeless songs,” the company wrote. “Today, the duo’s work remains the exemplary lyrical voice of Walt Disney.”
Sherman, who reportedly leaves behind his long-time wife Elizabeth, two daughters, a son and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, is to be buried in Los Angeles on Friday, according to Disney.