Robert Sherman has died

[kec]

Composer of many of my favorite Disney songs. Very sad today
It's a Small World Songwriter Robert Sherman Dies at 86

[best12bars]

I grew up to his music. It's part of my DNA.

Rest in peace.

[best12bars]

An appropriate song of his and his brother Richard's that I always loved.
"It Changes" from "Snoopy Come Home"

[kec]

Same here Best12Bars. First movie I saw as a child was Mary Poppins, and I've loved the Sherman Brothers' music ever since.

[CarlosAlberto]

In Memory of Robert Sherman: My favorite Sherman Brothers Song...RIP

[CarlosAlberto]

Another favorite: MOTHER EARTH AND FATHER TIME from Charlotte's Web

[best12bars]

"Feed the Birds" was Walt's favorite song of theirs, too. Actually, his favorite song written for any of his projects.

I'm posting another version of it, with a squeezed picture (I hate that), but with the soundtrack running at the right speed. For some reason, the clip you posted is a bit fast (sounds like Munchkins).
Feed the Birds

[best12bars]

This is from The Slipper and the Rose, their screen adaptation of Cinderella. The song was Oscar-nominated.

By the way, I love the transition as Cinderella (Gemma Craven) leaves the ball. She changes costumes 5 times during her descent on the staircase, so by the time she reaches the bottom, she has reverted to her rags.

The song that follows is a real beauty, sung by Gemma Craven and the Prince (Richard Chamberlain).
When He/She Danced With Me

[PalJoey]

I've always felt that part of the beauty of "Feed the Birds" is that the music had an oddly Hebraic quality to it, like some ancient, mournful synagogue lament.

It makes no sense whatsoever that the Sherman Brothers would put a Jewish melody into Mary Poppins, but every time I hear the song, that's the quality I hear.

RIP, Mr. Sherman.

[adamgreer]

Not even a spoonful of sugar makes this go down easy.

[Bluemoon]

"It makes no sense whatsoever that the Sherman Brothers would put a Jewish melody into Mary Poppins, but every time I hear the song, that's the quality I hear."

Actually, PJ, it makes sense to me. The song touches on the holy - the sacred act of giving when you have so little yourself. As the sons of Russian Jewish immigrants, I can imagine that the Hebraic strains of hymns about being a blessing would play out as inspiration, if even subliminally.

[Almira]

Mother Earth and Father Time from Charlotte's Web is my all-time favorite song.

Thank you, Mr. Sherman. God Bless.

[kec]

For those who wish to post memories, thanks, etc.

Have got the Slipper and the Rose on DVD; think I'll watch it this weekend.


Robert Sherman Online Tribute Page

[TheatreDiva90016]

He left behind a wonderful legacy.

[givesmevoice]

I always loved the underscoring for Mary Poppins, especially the scene where Mr. Banks is walking through London at night to be discharged from the bank. I always thought the soaring instrumental version of Feed the Birds was gorgeous and haunting.
Mary Poppins Special Edition Soundtrack: 27 Mr. Banks is Discharged

[beautywickedlover]

Very sad news! He wrote some of the greatest music ever.

[jv92]

Sad news indeed. He wrote music I grew up with.

[Gaveston2]

It makes no sense whatsoever that the Sherman Brothers would put a Jewish melody into Mary Poppins, but every time I hear the song, that's the quality I hear.

It makes no sense except that all modern American theater music has its roots in Jewish melodies and harmonies.

paljoey probably knows the story of Cole Porter going to Jerome Kern to ask what he (Porter) should do to be more successful. "Write Jewish," was Kern's reply.

[Calvin]

One episode of "Frasier" often made me think of the Shermans. Frasier was called upon to write a theme song for his show, and in typical style, he goes overboard and puts together a piece with a full orchestra, chorus and narration. When he's instructed to pare it down to something simple -- a short, memorable ditty -- he can't do it.

They made writing charming songs, easy enough for any grade school choir to perform, seem deceptive simple. And we all know it isn't.

[Gaveston2]

Best eulogy I can imagine, Calvin. Well said!

[EricMontreal22]

Yes, very well said. He really well be missed--like others here the Sherman Bros' songs were a big part of my childhood, and probably why I grew up loving musicals so much. I actually somehow have never seen The Slipper and the Rose, I'll have to get on that now.

And don't forget their contributions to the theme parks, like this gem (an attrction I always have to talk people I'm with to go see, I love it) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfqGf9x7L9c

[Hest882]

Ah, you've all reminded me of songs I haven't thought of in years...yet touch something deep inside me whenever I think of them.

[kec]

Digital Spy in the UK had a short video on their site which had been posted on Jeffrey Sherman's facebook page:
Robert Sherman video

[goldenboy]

Happiest Millionaire
Over Here
Mary Poppins
Bedknobs and Broomsticks
Busker Alley and more.

They were great...

[degrassifan]

RIP! Mary Poppins and The Slipper and the Rose are among my favorite movie musicals. I've been wondering why "Secret Kingdom" from The Slipper and the Rose has been in my head for the past few weeks for no apparent reason. Wow, how eerie.