The Sherman Brothers & Their Disney Journey

The Sherman Brothers’ Disney Journey

Richard and Robert Sherman’s journey with Disney began when their pop hit “Tall Paul” for Annette Funicello caught Walt Disney’s attention. Walt needed songwriters who could transform his ideas into melodies, and the brothers impressed him with their ability to do just that by crafting tunes from his ideas.

Their first major feature film project was The Parent Trap, followed by Mary Poppins, which cemented their place in Disney fans’ hearts. For Mary Poppins, the duo wrote iconic songs like “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” and “Chim Chim Cher-ee” which won an Academy Award in 1964 for Best Original Song.

The Shermans had a talent for understanding what fit each story, which Walt appreciated. And their contributions to Disney live-action and animated films have become timeless. A few years after Walt’s passing, the duo departed from The Walt Disney Company, feeling it wasn’t the same without Walt. But years later, they returned for projects like The Tigger Movie and Christopher Robin, staying true to their original approach.

Iconic Songs and Achievements

The Sherman Brothers’ work on Mary Poppins is legendary, with songs like “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” and “A Spoonful of Sugar” becoming cultural touchstones. Their talents extended to animation with The Jungle Book, bringing to life tracks like “I Wan’na Be Like You” and “The Bare Necessities.”

Beyond movies, their music echoed throughout Disney’s theme parks. “It’s a Small World” became an enduring symbol of global harmony, first composed for an attraction at the New York World’s Fair and later adapted into a beloved Disneyland attraction. Today, versions of the “it’s a small world” attraction are enjoyed at five Disney theme parks around the world with the beloved (and sometimes hated) song for generations to enjoy.

The Sherman Brothers’ success lies in their ability to resonate across generations. Their songs evoke nostalgia while feeling timelessly relevant, reinforcing Disney’s legacy of joy, imagination, and togetherness.

Disney, Walter Elias; Sherman, Richard; Sherman, Robert — Photo credit: The Walt Disney Company

Collaboration with Walt Disney

Working with Walt Disney was both a personal and professional journey for the Sherman Brothers. Walt was a visionary and mentor who challenged them to bring out the best in their craft. Their relationship was built on mutual respect and a shared passion for storytelling through music. And, the brothers learned that every meeting with Walt was an opportunity to absorb his creative energy.

Walt’s office was often the setting for creative discussions and musical performances. He had a fondness for their song “Feed the Birds” from Mary Poppins and would ask the brothers to play it for him at the end of the week before they went home for the weekend.

“If Walt said to anyone, ‘That’ll work,’ that meant he was going to put that idea into a multi-million-dollar package. He never went into explanations.”

Richard Sherman

The Sherman Brothers collaboration wasn’t just about creating songs but weaving them seamlessly into Walt Disney’s masterpieces. Walt’s ability to visualize a song’s potential made their working relationship special. His simple approval, often expressed with “That’ll work,” was highly valued by the brothers.

The creativity that flowed between them was a dance of trust and intuition. Walt would provide the vision, and the brothers would compose melodies that captured the essence of his ideas.

Legacy and Recognition

The Sherman Brothers’ influence in Disney and popular culture is significant. In 1990, the brothers were honored as Disney Legends, a tribute to their impact on the industry and contribution to Disney’s history. Then in 2018, The Walt Disney Company unveiled the Sherman Brothers Stage at their Burbank lot as a lasting tribute to the brothers. And most recently, the famous songwriting duo were honored with a short film called “The Last Verse” in the Main Street Cinema at Disneyland Park which celebrates the timeless connection and hope behind the Sherman Brothers’ iconic song, “It’s a Small World.”

Their songs became emblematic of Disney’s ethos, emphasizing themes of wonder, joy, and togetherness. Globally recognized for their contribution to the arts, the Sherman Brothers’ acclaim extended beyond accolades and awards. Their melodies have become cultural touchstones, synonymous with Disney’s name.

Here’s a few fun facts about the Sherman Brothers:

The duo composed over 200 songs for 27 films and 24 television productions

The brothers earned Academy Awards for Best Original Song and Best Original Score for Mary Poppins
They created one of the most memorable theme park melodies of all-time “It’s a Small World”

As storytellers, their songs have joined the collective cultural repertoire, inspiring and bringing joy to new audiences who discover their work. The Sherman Brothers have left a lasting musical legacy at Disney and continue to inspire dreamers everywhere.

The Sherman Brothers’ journey with Disney showcases the power of melody in storytelling. Their songs, filled with imagination, continue to resonate with audiences, capturing the essence of Disney’s magic. Their legacy reminds us that music can transcend time, leaving a lasting impression on listeners.

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References

Sherman R, Sherman R. The Sherman Brothers’ Disney Journey. Disney D23. 2023.
Bush J. The Future of Walt Disney Animation Studios. Annecy Animation Festival. 2024.

The Walt Disney Company. The Last Verse: A Tribute to Richard Sherman. ABC News Studios. 2024.
Horn A. Sherman Brothers Stage Dedication Ceremony. The Walt Disney Studios. 2018.
The Walt Disney Family Museum. Remembering Richard Sherman. 2024.