Remembering Robert Sherman: Top 10 Songs

Robert B. Sherman’s passing was a sad day for adults and children alike. He was part of an award-winning songwriting team that brought joy to millions. Along with his brother Richard, Robert was responsible for such Disney Classics as “It’s a Small World” and “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious”, as well as branching out to writing for films such as Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. It’s amazing how many of his songs we know word by word and still enjoying hearing today. Here’s a look back at the Top 10 songs written by Robert Sherman.

10. “Let’s Get Together”

“Let’s Get Together” was written for the 1961 film The Parent Trap. This performance was unique because since actress Hayley Mills was playing twin sisters, she was doing a duet with herself. The song was on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1961 and eventually peaked at number eight. It was also sung by Lindsay Lohan in 1998’s remake of The Parent Trap.

9. “That’s What Makes The World Go Round”

This song was from Disney’s 1963 film, The Sword in the Stone, a simplified version of the story of Arthur’s ascension to the King of England. In this scene, Arthur has been turned into a fish by Merlin, and goes on an educational journey learning about opposites and diversity. A catchy tune, it is joyfully sung by children and nostalgic adults alike.

8. “The Age of Not Believing”

"The Age of Not Believing" was a gem from 1971’s Bedknobs and Broomsticks. Angela Lansbury's voice beautifully conveyed the challenges of growing up, such as feeling self doubt and losing belief in magic. Everyone can relate to the lyrics because they’ve felt that way at one time or another. "The Age of Not Believing" got the Sherman Brothers an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song.

7. "Hushabye Mountain”

Dick Van Dyke sang this soothing, beautiful ballad in 1968’s Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. It takes listeners to a carefree, content place, and is a perfect lullaby for little ones.

6. “I Wan’na Be Like You”

This jazzy little tune was from 1967’s The Jungle Book. It was sung by Louis Prima, who was a renowned singer, actor, and trumpeter. “I Wan’na Be Like You” was so well loved, Disney recently brought it back with a Jonas Brother’s cover version.

5. “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang”

In 1968’s Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Dick Van Dyke invented a car that could float on water and fly through the air! He sang this lovely song with his children and girlfriend as they took the car on a magical adventure. It is sure to get stuck in your head all day!

4. “Chim Chim Cher-ee”

This song was in the 1964 musical Mary Poppins. It was sung by the beloved pairing of Dick Van Dyke and Julie Andrews, and has warmed the hearts of audiences ever since its release. In 1965, “Chim Chim Cher-ee” won an Academy Award for best original song.

3. “Spoonful of Sugar”

Also from Mary Poppins, "Spoonful of Sugar" has delighted fans for years. The elegant and proper Julie Andrews had a way of making even the most abhorred tasks seem like fun. This is yet another catchy tune that begs for you to sing along.

2. “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious”

This joyful, upbeat song featured a completely made-up word that somehow made its way into current dictionaries. Never has there been a more fun-filled song to sing along with. The Sherman Brothers received an Oscar for Best Original Score for Mary Poppins in 1965.

1. “It’s a Small World (After All)”

The Sherman Brothers’ “It’s a Small World” is their most famous song. It was originally written for attractions at the 1964 New York World's Fair, and has lived on through the ride of the same name at Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disneyland, Disneyland Paris and Hong Kong Disneyland.

The song's message is that although we are very different, we all share the same feelings and emotions. It celebrates the world's diversity and fosters compassion for humankind. Best of all, it’s so darn catchy too!