Robert Sherman Death: ‘Small World,’ ‘Mary Poppins’ Songwriter Dies at 86

The musical film world has truly lost one of its legends.

Oscar-winning songwriter Robert Sherman ? who penned some of Disney’s most memorable show tunes and theme park songs, including Chim Chim Cher-ee and Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious from Mary Poppins and It’s a Small World (After All) ? died Monday at his home in London. He was 86 years old.

The IB Times writes that Sherman’s son Jeff announced the sad news of his father’s death via Facebook:

Hello to family and friends,

I have very sad news to convey.

My Dad, Robert B. Sherman, passed away tonight in London. He went peacefully after months of truly valiantly fending off death. He loved life and his dear heart finally slowed to a stop when he could fight no more.

He wanted to bring happiness to the world and, unquestionably, he succeeded. His love and his prayers, his philosophy and his poetry will live on forever. Forever his songs and his genius will bring hope, joy and love to this small, small world.

Born in New York City in 1925, Sherman was the son of Russian Jewish immigrants. His father, Al Sherman, found employment as a songwriter on Tin Pan Alley, Manhattan’s famous street of music publishers, and later challenged his boys to take up music in their own right.

Along with his brother Richard, Robert Sherman was responsible for music in many well-loved children’s films, including Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Bedknobs and Broomsticks, Charlotte’s Web, The Aristocats, Snoopy Come Home, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, and The Jungle Book.

Besides being given a Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1976, Robert also won an Oscar and Grammy award for his work with Mary Poppins, and more recently revived his work for the West End stage, adding new songs to Chitty Chitty Bang Bang for a 2002 musical.

In addition to his work with Disney Sherman also had top 10 hits on the Billboard chart with You’re Sixteen, performed by Johnny Burnette and later reaching number one with a cover by Ringo Starr in 1974.

In memory of Robert Sherman‘s passing, here are a few of his most well known musical creations:

Chim Chim Cher-ee:

Winnie The Pooh Theme Song:

It’s A Small World