![\"Richard](\"https:\/\/itsnotaboutme.tv\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/IMG_0815-2.jpg\")
<\/a>Richard and Elizabeth Sherman. Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n
I\u2019m completely devastated for Richard Sherman\u2019s widow, Elizabeth. And for all of us who knew him. And for the world.<\/p>\n
We all know what a prolific songwriter he was, (along with his late brother, Robert,) with works including all the songs in Mary Poppins<\/em>, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang<\/em>, The Jungle Book<\/em>, and even, (and surprisingly,) Ringo Starr’s hit, You\u2019re Sixteen<\/em>. (But they really wrote that one for a rockabilly<\/em> artist fourteen years earlier.)<\/p>\n He was not only an uber-successful theatre and film composer, but we can also thank the Sherman Brothers for Disneyland\u2019s It\u2019s a Small World<\/em>!<\/p>\n However, I<\/em> was fortunate enough to actually know<\/em> the man, for many decades, actually, so I want to share some of my personal experiences and remembrances of the lovely person<\/em> Richard Sherman was, as well.<\/p>\n Richard Sherman and Karen Salkin. Photo by INAM staff.<\/p><\/div>\n And in all that time, I never once heard him brag, \u201cAnd then I wrote\u2026,\u201d 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.<\/p>\n 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!!!<\/p>\n 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\u2019t wait for me to meet his \u201cnew best friends\u201d that night. And, of course, they were Richard and Elizabeth, and we immediately bonded.<\/p>\n 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 \u201cInvitees Club.\u201d And he even appointed me<\/em> as President over himself!<\/p>\n Richard Sherman and Karen Salkin. Photo by Mr. X.<\/p><\/div>\n We were also together at some personal<\/em> parties, most notably a few of my own<\/em> 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\u2019s presence at my fetes made me<\/em> a star in their eyes! And he was kind and generous to everyone.<\/p>\n 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!)<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Here’s just a bit of what I’ve written about the extraordinary man:<\/p>\n In my review of a production of Mary Poppins<\/em> at the Ahmanson: \u201cI 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\u2019s just so humble and appreciative of others. And I don\u2019t think I\u2019ve ever seen a more in love couple than Richard and his wife of a billion years, Elizabeth. We don\u2019t get to see each other very often anymore, so that was a treat. As he hugged me hello, he said, ‘Great cast, eh?’\u201d<\/p>\n On another occasion, I referred to him as \u201c…the easiest-going man ever<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n For the opening night of Matthew Bourne\u2019s gorgeous ballet, Cinderella<\/em>: \u201cI 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!!!\u201d<\/p>\n Sir Matthew Bourne and Richard Sherman, that night at the Wallis.<\/p><\/div>\n 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\u2019ve met my<\/em> parents, as well. Even though we weren\u2019t close<\/em> friends, I adore that we’ve happily been in each other’s orbs for so many years.<\/p>\n 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\u2019m eternally grateful to Richard for that.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/a><\/a>