Sherman Brothers

The Sherman Brothers were an American songwriting duo composed of brothers Robert B. Sherman (December 19, 1925 – March 15, 2012) and Richard M. Sherman (June 12, 1928 – May 25, 2024), best known for composing over 200 songs for Walt Disney Productions, including iconic tracks from films like Mary Poppins, The Jungle Book, and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

Born to Russian-Jewish immigrant parents, with their father Al Sherman being a prominent Tin Pan Alley songwriter, the brothers grew up in New York City and later California, where they began collaborating on music in the early 1950s following Robert's U.S. Army service in World War II. Robert, the elder, was born in London before the family relocated, while Richard was born in New York City; their early exposure to their father's career inspired them to write their first song together in 1951 as a challenge from him.

Robert Bernard Sherman was born on December 19, 1925, in New York City to Russian-Jewish immigrant parents Al Sherman, a prominent Tin Pan Alley songwriter, and Rosa Sherman. His father's career exposed him early to the music industry, as Al Sherman composed popular tunes such as "You Gotta Be a Football Hero" and "On the Beach at Bali-Bali" during the 1920s and 1930s. The family, including Robert's younger brother Richard, shared this musical heritage, with frequent relocations across the United States reflecting Al's professional pursuits.

Richard Morton Sherman was born on June 12, 1928, in New York City, to Russian-Jewish immigrant parents Al Sherman, a prominent Tin Pan Alley songwriter, and Rosa Sherman. As the younger brother of Robert B. Sherman by three years, Richard grew up in a musical household where his father's legacy in popular songwriting provided early inspiration, fostering a shared passion for music between the siblings.