ToughPigs is saddened to learn that Oscar and Grammy-winning songwriter Richard M. Sherman has passed away at the age of 95.
Alongside his brother, Robert B. Sherman, Richard created the soundtrack to so many beloved films. Best known for their work with The Walt Disney Company, the Sherman Brothers crafted the songs for movies including Mary Poppins, The Jungle Book, and The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. The pair, who Walt Disney affectionately dubbed “the Boys,” also extended their songwriting prowess to the Disney parks. Their list of parks music includes such anthems for attractions as Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room, Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress, Journey into Imagination, and “it’s a small world.” Outside of Disney, the Sherman Brothers also wrote songs for such films as Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Snoopy, Come Home, and Charlotte’s Web. Both Sherman brothers were named Disney Legends in 1990.
Naturally, with such a songbook under their belts, it only made sense that the Muppets would cover some of their music. Below, you can hear a trio of Anything Muppets perform “A Spoonful of Sugar” in Episode 0005 of Sesame Street.
Their titular song for “it’s a small world” would also serve as the finale to the Spike Milligan episode of The Muppet Show.
With such a legendary status at Disney, it felt inevitable that Richard would finally meet the Muppets, which he did in the 2014 web-series Disney Drive-On with the Muppets. In his episode, “The Legend,” Richard sung for Walter a musical threat to Pepe, who may have roped both of them into a scam.
For movie and theme park fans everywhere, the Sherman Brothers wrote the soundtrack to our lives, and we’ll keep singing their tune as we keep their memories alive.
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by Matthew Soberman – Matthew@ToughPigs.com
