Disney composer Richard Sherman (95) and Today show star Dr Ric Gordon (69) pass away
- Replies 6
The world of music and magic has lost one of its most enchanting voices.
Richard M Sherman, the legendary Disney composer whose melodies have whisked generations away to lands of wonder and whimsy, has passed away at 95.
The Oscar-winning songwriter, whose work has been the soundtrack to countless childhoods, died in a Beverly Hills hospital on Saturday, 25 May, from an age-related illness.
Richard Sherman, along with his brother Robert, formed an incomparable songwriting duo that became synonymous with Disney's golden era of musicals.
From the rooftops of London with Mary Poppins to the depths of the Indian jungle in The Jungle Book, the Sherman brothers' music has been a universal language of happiness and imagination.
The Sherman brothers' journey with Disney began in the early 1960s and quickly soared to extraordinary heights.
Their work on the 1964 classic Mary Poppins not only earned them two Oscars but also gave the world songs like 'Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious' and 'A Spoonful of Sugar'—tunes that would echo in playgrounds and living rooms for decades to come.
The song 'Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious' became a pop culture phenomenon, charting on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1965.
Throughout his 65-year career, Richard Sherman's creative genius was recognised with nine Academy Award nominations, three Grammys, and 24 gold and platinum albums.
Beyond the realms of Mary Poppins, Richard Sherman's musical brilliance shone through in other Disney classics such as The Aristocats, Bedknobs and Broomsticks, and the Winnie the Pooh series.
Each composition, whether it was 'Trust in Me' from The Jungle Book or 'Truly Scrumptious' from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, showcased his ability to capture the essence of a story and its characters in song.
The Sherman brothers' legacy was further immortalised in the 2013 film Saving Mr Banks, which depicted the behind-the-scenes story of Mary Poppins.
Actors Jason Schwartzman and B.J. Novak brought Richard and Robert to life on screen, showcasing the brothers' dedication to their craft and pivotal role in creating the film's iconic music.
Tributes have poured in from across the entertainment industry, with Bob Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company, saying, 'Richard Sherman was the embodiment of what it means to be a Disney Legend, creating along with his brother Robert the beloved classics that have become a cherished part of the soundtrack of our lives.’
‘From films like Mary Poppins and The Jungle Book to attractions like “It’s a Small World”, the music of the Sherman Brothers has captured the hearts of generations of audiences,’ he added.
‘We are forever grateful for the mark Richard left on the world, and we extend our deepest condolences to his family.’
‘You don’t get songs like “A Spoonful of Sugar” without a genuine love of life, which Richard passed on to everyone lucky enough to be around him,’ Pete Docter, Chief Creative Officer at Pixar Animation Studios, said.
‘Even in his 90s, he had more energy and enthusiasm than anyone, and I always left renewed by Richard’s infectious joy for life.’
Born in New York City on 12 June 1928, Richard Sherman's life was a melody that began in the bustling streets of the Big Apple and later relocated to Beverly Hills.
After serving his country as a conductor for the Army band and glee club, Sherman rose to fame in the arts industry, earning him a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Richard Sherman is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Sherman, his children, and grandchildren.
A private funeral will be held on 31 May in Los Angeles, where family and friends will bid farewell to a man whose music will continue to inspire and delight for generations to come.
You can watch Richard Sherman’s performance below:
Credit: Disney / YouTube
Meanwhile, Australia has lost a pioneering figure in the field of medicine, as Dr Ric Gordon, known for delivering the first baby on Australian television, has passed away at the age of 69 due to pancreatic cancer.
Dr Gordon, a familiar face on the Today show, shared his expertise as an obstetrician and fertility specialist with viewers for many years, becoming a household name and a trusted voice in the medical community.
Wendy Harmer, a veteran radio host and author, paid a heartfelt tribute to him, revealing that Dr Gordon delivered both of her babies even after she and her partner had ceased IVF treatments.
On social media, she wrote: 'He was a pioneer in IVF in Australia and gave hope to so many...and was a kind and caring professional. Vale.'
Presenter Georgie Gardner expressed the sentiments of many when she said 'he will be deeply missed' during Saturday’s broadcast.
His career was marked by significant milestones, including being part of the team that delivered the first IVF birth in New South Wales in 1983.
Over the years, Dr Gordon helped bring more than 5,000 babies.
One of his most memorable moments was in 2003 when he delivered a baby live on the Today show, with former host Tracey Grimshaw present in the delivery room at Sydney’s Royal North Shore Hospital.
Reflecting on the event in 2022, Dr Gordon described it as an extraordinary moment in television.
‘It went so well, it was a great morning and a good outcome,’ he said.
‘The baby cried when it was meant to cry, mum and dad were happy.’
‘And Tracey (Grimshaw) was quite emotional over it all.’
Beyond his appearances on the Today Show, Dr Gordon was also known as Dr Ric Porter, the host of Nine’s long-running lifestyle program Good Medicine in the 90s, which enjoyed a successful nine-year run.
You can watch one of Dr Ric Gordon’s iconic coverages on Today below:
Credit: Today / YouTube
As we remember Richard Sherman and Dr Ric Gordon, we reflect on the legacy they leave behind.
May they rest in peace.
Richard M Sherman, the legendary Disney composer whose melodies have whisked generations away to lands of wonder and whimsy, has passed away at 95.
The Oscar-winning songwriter, whose work has been the soundtrack to countless childhoods, died in a Beverly Hills hospital on Saturday, 25 May, from an age-related illness.
Richard Sherman, along with his brother Robert, formed an incomparable songwriting duo that became synonymous with Disney's golden era of musicals.
From the rooftops of London with Mary Poppins to the depths of the Indian jungle in The Jungle Book, the Sherman brothers' music has been a universal language of happiness and imagination.
Disney composer Richard Sherman passed away at 95. Credit: Shutterstock
The Sherman brothers' journey with Disney began in the early 1960s and quickly soared to extraordinary heights.
Their work on the 1964 classic Mary Poppins not only earned them two Oscars but also gave the world songs like 'Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious' and 'A Spoonful of Sugar'—tunes that would echo in playgrounds and living rooms for decades to come.
The song 'Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious' became a pop culture phenomenon, charting on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1965.
Throughout his 65-year career, Richard Sherman's creative genius was recognised with nine Academy Award nominations, three Grammys, and 24 gold and platinum albums.
Beyond the realms of Mary Poppins, Richard Sherman's musical brilliance shone through in other Disney classics such as The Aristocats, Bedknobs and Broomsticks, and the Winnie the Pooh series.
Each composition, whether it was 'Trust in Me' from The Jungle Book or 'Truly Scrumptious' from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, showcased his ability to capture the essence of a story and its characters in song.
The Sherman brothers' legacy was further immortalised in the 2013 film Saving Mr Banks, which depicted the behind-the-scenes story of Mary Poppins.
Actors Jason Schwartzman and B.J. Novak brought Richard and Robert to life on screen, showcasing the brothers' dedication to their craft and pivotal role in creating the film's iconic music.
Tributes have poured in from across the entertainment industry, with Bob Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company, saying, 'Richard Sherman was the embodiment of what it means to be a Disney Legend, creating along with his brother Robert the beloved classics that have become a cherished part of the soundtrack of our lives.’
‘From films like Mary Poppins and The Jungle Book to attractions like “It’s a Small World”, the music of the Sherman Brothers has captured the hearts of generations of audiences,’ he added.
‘We are forever grateful for the mark Richard left on the world, and we extend our deepest condolences to his family.’
‘You don’t get songs like “A Spoonful of Sugar” without a genuine love of life, which Richard passed on to everyone lucky enough to be around him,’ Pete Docter, Chief Creative Officer at Pixar Animation Studios, said.
‘Even in his 90s, he had more energy and enthusiasm than anyone, and I always left renewed by Richard’s infectious joy for life.’
Born in New York City on 12 June 1928, Richard Sherman's life was a melody that began in the bustling streets of the Big Apple and later relocated to Beverly Hills.
After serving his country as a conductor for the Army band and glee club, Sherman rose to fame in the arts industry, earning him a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Richard Sherman is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Sherman, his children, and grandchildren.
A private funeral will be held on 31 May in Los Angeles, where family and friends will bid farewell to a man whose music will continue to inspire and delight for generations to come.
You can watch Richard Sherman’s performance below:
Credit: Disney / YouTube
Meanwhile, Australia has lost a pioneering figure in the field of medicine, as Dr Ric Gordon, known for delivering the first baby on Australian television, has passed away at the age of 69 due to pancreatic cancer.
Dr Gordon, a familiar face on the Today show, shared his expertise as an obstetrician and fertility specialist with viewers for many years, becoming a household name and a trusted voice in the medical community.
Dr Ric Gordon, known for delivering a baby live on the Today show, passed away at 69. Credit: Today / YouTube
Wendy Harmer, a veteran radio host and author, paid a heartfelt tribute to him, revealing that Dr Gordon delivered both of her babies even after she and her partner had ceased IVF treatments.
On social media, she wrote: 'He was a pioneer in IVF in Australia and gave hope to so many...and was a kind and caring professional. Vale.'
Presenter Georgie Gardner expressed the sentiments of many when she said 'he will be deeply missed' during Saturday’s broadcast.
His career was marked by significant milestones, including being part of the team that delivered the first IVF birth in New South Wales in 1983.
Over the years, Dr Gordon helped bring more than 5,000 babies.
One of his most memorable moments was in 2003 when he delivered a baby live on the Today show, with former host Tracey Grimshaw present in the delivery room at Sydney’s Royal North Shore Hospital.
Reflecting on the event in 2022, Dr Gordon described it as an extraordinary moment in television.
‘It went so well, it was a great morning and a good outcome,’ he said.
‘The baby cried when it was meant to cry, mum and dad were happy.’
‘And Tracey (Grimshaw) was quite emotional over it all.’
Beyond his appearances on the Today Show, Dr Gordon was also known as Dr Ric Porter, the host of Nine’s long-running lifestyle program Good Medicine in the 90s, which enjoyed a successful nine-year run.
You can watch one of Dr Ric Gordon’s iconic coverages on Today below:
Credit: Today / YouTube
May they rest in peace.
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Richard Sherman
