by Joe Tracy, editor of Theme Park Magazine
Richard M. Sherman, the legendary composer behind some of Disney’s most beloved songs, passed away on May 25, 2024, at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Beverly Hills. He was 95 years old. Sherman and his brother Robert formed the Sherman Brothers, one of history’s most successful songwriting teams. Their contributions to Disney’s theme parks and movies have left an enduring mark, bringing joy to millions of visitors worldwide.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Richard Morton Sherman was born in New York City on June 12, 1928. The Sherman family moved to Beverly Hills in 1937, where Richard attended Beverly Hills High School and later majored in music at Bard College. After serving in the United States Army from 1953 to 1955, Richard reunited with his brother Robert to pursue a career in songwriting, following in the footsteps of their father, Tin Pan Alley songwriter Al Sherman.
Their big break came in 1958 when Annette Funicello recorded their song “Tall Paul,” which caught the attention of Walt Disney. Soon after, The Walt Disney Studios hired the Sherman Brothers as staff songwriters.
Creating Iconic Disney Park Songs: its a small world, Tiki Room, and Beyond
One of the Sherman Brothers’ most enduring contributions to Disney is the song “it’s a small world.” Written for the 1964 New York World’s Fair, the song became the anthem for the beloved attraction of the same name. Richard Sherman described the song as “a prayer for peace,” reflecting the ride’s theme of global unity. The simple, catchy tune plays continuously in Disney parks worldwide, making it one of the most performed songs in history.
Another memorable contribution is “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow,” created for the Carousel of Progress. Originally showcased at the 1964 World’s Fair, it later moved to Disneyland and Walt Disney World. This optimistic tune encapsulates Walt Disney’s vision of a promising future driven by innovation and progress.
The Sherman Brothers also brought their musical talents to the Enchanted Tiki Room at Disneyland. Their song “The Tiki, Tiki, Tiki Room” invites guests into a tropical paradise where animatronic birds, flowers, and tikis come to life, serenading visitors with cheerful melodies. This attraction was revolutionary because it was the first to utilize audio-animatronics, and the Shermans’ music played a key part in its charm and popularity.
In the early 1980s, the Sherman Brothers wrote “One Little Spark” for the Journey into Imagination pavilion at EPCOT. It’s a song that has inspired countless visitors to explore their creativity and embrace their imaginations. They also penned “Meet the World” for Tokyo Disneyland, further cementing their global influence on Disney’s theme parks.
A Legacy of Celebration and Joy
The Sherman Brothers’ music has become synonymous with Disney celebrations. For Disneyland’s 60th Anniversary Diamond Celebration, Richard Sherman contributed a new song titled “A Kiss Goodnight,” tied to his 2017 book of the same name. This song celebrates Walt Disney’s tradition of ending each day at Disneyland with a kiss goodnight, symbolizing the park’s enduring magic and the joy it brings to visitors.
Richard and Robert Sherman’s contributions to Disney parks have been recognized and celebrated in many ways. In 2010, Disneyland honored Richard and Robert Sherman with a window on Main Street, U.S.A., which reads: “Two Brothers Tunemakers – Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman: We’ll Write Your Tunes For a Song.”
In 2018, the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California, renamed Soundstage A as the Sherman Brothers Stage. Richard Sherman expressed his gratitude, saying, “It’s been a joy, it’s been an honor, and it’s been a privilege to work here at The Walt Disney Studios, working for Walt Disney and for all the brilliant, brilliant people with whom Bob and I associated through the years.”
Continued Influence and Recent Work
Even later in life, Richard Sherman contributed to Disney’s legacy. In 2023, he wrote a new song for Disney Legend Andreas Deja’s animated short film “Mushka.” This new piece, titled “Mushka’s Lullabye,” showcased Sherman’s enduring talent and ability to create music that resonates with audiences of all ages.
Sherman’s work also featured prominently in the 2023 Walt Disney Animation Studios short film “Once Upon a Studio,” where he returned to Walt Disney’s office to play the piano in a key sequence. This return to the place where he and his brother often performed for Walt Disney himself was a poignant reminder of his deep connection to the company’s history.
Theme Park Songs by The Sherman Brothers
- The Tiki, Tiki, Tiki Room (Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room)
- There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow (Carousel of Progress)
- The Best Time of Your Life (Carousel of Progress)
- Miracles from Molecules (Adventure Thru Inner Space)
- One Little Spark (Journey into Imagination)
- Magic Journeys (Rocket Rods)
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
- Pooh’s Hunny Hunt
- it’s a small world
- We Meet the World with Love
- Meet the World
- Kiss Goodnight (Disneyland Forever Fireworks)
In addition to their theme park contributions, the Sherman Brothers are known for their film music, featured prominently in movies like Mary Poppins, The Jungle Book, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Bedknobs and Broomsticks, and Charlotte’s Web, to name a few. The most notable film songs they ever created include “Chim Chim Cher-ee,” “A Spoonful of Sugar,” “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” “I Wanna Be Like You,” and “Winnie the Pooh.”
Richard Sherman’s Funeral and Legacy
Richard Sherman is survived by his wife of 66 years, Elizabeth; son Gregory and grandsons William and Matthew; daughter Victoria Wolf, son-in-law Doug Wolf; and grandchildren Mandy and Anthony. His daughter also survived him from a previous marriage, Lynda Rothstein, as well as her two children and three grandchildren. The family has scheduled a private funeral for May 31 at Hillside Memorial Park in Los Angeles, and they will announce plans for a public celebration of his life at a later date.
Richard M. Sherman’s contributions to Disney’s theme parks have left an unforgettable mark on the hearts of millions. His music, characterized by its optimism and charm, continues to inspire and bring joy to visitors worldwide. From “it’s a small world” to “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow,” Sherman’s songs remind us of the magic of Disney and the enduring power of music to unite and uplift. His legacy will live on in the melodies that continue to enchant guests at Disney parks for generations to come.
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