RICHARD SHERMAN, R.I.P.

This is one tribute I can barely write. When I saw legendary composer Richard Sherman’s smiling face on a news site this past week-end, I literally gasped out loud; I didn’t even want to read the words that accompanied the photo because I knew that bad news was attached to it. At ninety-five-years-old, Richard had just passed away from an “age-related illness.”

I’m completely devastated for Richard Sherman’s widow, Elizabeth. And for all of us who knew him. And for the world.

We all know what a prolific songwriter he was, (along with his late brother, Robert,) with works including all the songs in Mary Poppins, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, The Jungle Book, and even, (and surprisingly,) Ringo Starr’s hit, You’re Sixteen. (But they really wrote that one for a rockabilly artist fourteen years earlier.)

He was not only an uber-successful theatre and film composer, but we can also thank the Sherman Brothers for Disneyland’s It’s a Small World!

However, I was fortunate enough to actually know the man, for many decades, actually, so I want to share some of my personal experiences and remembrances of the lovely person Richard Sherman was, as well.

And in all that time, I never once heard him brag, “And then I wrote…,” as many famous composers do. He was such a modest man. I loved that whenever I introduced him to someone new, and they told him what his prolific music meant to them, he was so appreciative and acted like it was the first time he heard those compliments! There can be no one more humble.

I’ve always enjoyed that Richard and Elizabeth were inseparable. Whenever I saw them, (which used to be often,) it seemed to me that they were on their third date, (as opposed to being married for decades,) because they were so giggly and starry-eyed together. They’re actually the most in love couple I’ve ever seen!!!

I first met them through a mutual great friend, Fred Deni. He took me to a show at the Ahmanson, and excitedly told me that he couldn’t wait for me to meet his “new best friends” that night. And, of course, they were Richard and Elizabeth, and we immediately bonded.

From that moment on, we saw each other frequently, most often at all the theatre and music events that we were both invited to. In fact, we were included in sooo many fabulous events that Richard dubbed us the President and Vice President of the “Invitees Club.” And he even appointed me as President over himself!

We were also together at some personal parties, most notably a few of my own birthday celebrations. My other pals could not believe that they were getting to meet the man whose music that they had been listening to forever. Richard’s presence at my fetes made me a star in their eyes! And he was kind and generous to everyone.

We even shared a hand doctor. When a musician of his high caliber trusts someone with his precious hands, that’s recommendation enough for me. (And as soon I told the doc that I know Richard, he started treating me better!)

He was also one of my favorite subjects to write about in this e-zine. There are over two dozen mentions of him on here, more than just about anybody else.

Here’s just a bit of what I’ve written about the extraordinary man:

In my review of a production of Mary Poppins at the Ahmanson: “I saw my old pal, Richard Sherman, who, along with his late brother, Robert, wrote all the songs. For many years, we sat together at every opening night party, and I swear, you could never tell how much this man has accomplished in his life; he’s just so humble and appreciative of others. And I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more in love couple than Richard and his wife of a billion years, Elizabeth. We don’t get to see each other very often anymore, so that was a treat. As he hugged me hello, he said, ‘Great cast, eh?’”

On another occasion, I referred to him as “…the easiest-going man ever.”

For the opening night of Matthew Bourne’s gorgeous ballet, Cinderella: “I bumped into Matthew on the way in, and he was excited to tell me that our mutual friend, Richard, was already inside. I still cannot believe that I actually know those two talented icons!!!”

I so appreciate that I not only know Richard and his wife, but that over the years, they have introduced me to their children and other family members, all to whom my heart goes out now. And they’ve met my parents, as well. Even though we weren’t close friends, I adore that we’ve happily been in each other’s orbs for so many years.

One of the last (and most special) times that I saw Richard was at the Wallis before the pandemic. As I ran over to greet him, he enthusiastically introduced me to the pal he was standing with, who turned out to be brilliant British choreographer, Matthew Bourne! I’m eternally grateful to Richard for that.

But Sir Bourne is not the only icon to whom Richard Sherman introduced me. There have been several over the years, but my second favorite is Hayley Mills! I love all her classic films, especially The Parent Trap for which the Shermans wrote Let’s Get Together! Richard and Hayley dueted on the song at a wonderful charity event at the Pasadena Playhouse a few years ago, which was a major surprise to the audience, and a memory that I will cherish forever, to which I cried my eyes out!

As I’m doing right now after seeing the awful news of the beloved icon’s passing.

R.I.P., Richard Sherman. I can’t believe that I’ll never see you on this level of life again, but I’m sure that you’re entertaining the crowd in heaven now.