'It's a Small World' composer Robert B. Sherman dies

How do you sum up the work of songwriter Robert B. Sherman? Try one word: "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious." The tongue-twisting term, sung by magical nanny Mary Poppins, is like much of Sherman's work -- both complex and instantly memorable, for child and adult alike. Once heard, it was never forgotten.

Sherman, who died in London at age 86, was half of a sibling partnership that put songs into the mouths of nannies and Cockney chimney sweeps, jungle animals and Parisian felines.

Robert Sherman and his brother Richard composed scores for films including "The Jungle Book," "The Aristocats," "Mary Poppins" and "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang." They also wrote the most-played tune on Earth, "It's a Small World (After All)."

Sherman's agent, Stella Richards, said Tuesday that Sherman died peacefully in London on Monday.

Son Jeffrey Sherman paid tribute to his father on Facebook, saying he "wanted to bring happiness to the world and, unquestionably, he succeeded." Jeffrey Sherman told The Associated Press that his father had learned the craft of songwriting from his own father, Tin Pan Alley composer Al Sherman.

"His rule in writing songs was keep it singable, simple and sincere," Jeffrey Sherman said. "In the simplest things you find something universal."

Robert A. Iger, president and chief executive of The Walt Disney Co., said in a statement that the company mourned the loss of "one of the world's greatest songwriters and a true Disney legend."

Three Broadway marquees -- including The New Amsterdam Theatre, where "Mary Poppins" is playing -- dimmed their lights last night in Sherman's honor.

The Sherman Brothers' career was long, prolific and garlanded with awards. Their hundreds of credits as joint lyricist and composer also include the films "Winnie the Pooh," "The Slipper and the Rose," "Snoopy Come Home," "Charlotte's Web" and "The Magic of Lassie."

Robert Bernard Sherman was born in New York on Dec. 19, 1925, and raised there and in Beverly Hills, Calif. He moved to Britain in 2002 after the death of his wife Joyce. He is survived by his brother and four children: Laurie, Jeffrey, Andrea and Robert.