Disney in mourning: Richard Sherman, composer of such productions as "Mary Poppins" and "The Jungle Book", has died aged 95.

American composer Richard Sherman, author of popular melodies for Disney productions such as Mary Poppins and The Jungle Book , died on Saturday at the age of 95, the studio announced.

 

He died in Beverly Hills following an illness related to his advanced age, Disney explained. With his brother Robert, who died in 2012, he formed a prolific duo of composers for the entertainment giant between 1960 and 1973, helping to create over 200 songs for 27 films and some 20 TV productions.

 

In particular, he co-wrote Chem chem cheminée (Chim chim Cher-ee in the original version), the iconic title from the 1964 film Mary Poppins, which won an Oscar for Best Song. While Robert Sherman wrote the lyrics, Richard composed the melody.

 

The brotherly duo also created It's a Small World and I Wan'na Be Like You in Disney's iconic The Jungle Book cartoon. In a statement, the American company called Richard Sherman a "key member" of founder Walt Disney's "inner circle of creative talent". "We will be eternally grateful for the mark Richard leaves on the world," said current Disney CEO Bob Iger in a statement.