Songwriter Richard M. Sherman, known for sprinkling magic over his compositions, passed away on Saturday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Beverly Hills due to age-related illness. He was 95.

Sherman, along with his brother Robert B. Sherman, formed a legendary musical duo responsible for over 200 songs in 27 Disney films. Their iconic works include tunes from “Mary Poppins,” “The Jungle Book,” and “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.” Classics like “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” “A Spoonful of Sugar,” and the Oscar-winning “Chim Chim Cher-ee” have left an indelible mark on generations.

One of their most famous creations, “It’s a Small World (After All),” debuted in 1964 and has since become one of the most-played songs ever, with over 50 million renditions according to the Library of Congress.

Born in New York City in 1928, Sherman’s upbringing in a musical household, under the tutelage of his songwriter father Al Sherman, shaped his approach to composition. He emphasized the importance of grabbing the audience’s attention within the first eight bars and maintaining simplicity, sing-ability, and sincerity while infusing originality into their work.

After relocating to Beverly Hills in 1937, Sherman served in the military as a conductor for the Army band and glee club from 1953-1955. The duo gained recognition when Gene Autry recorded their song “Gold Can Buy You Anything But Love,” followed by the success of “Tall Paul,” recorded by Annette Funicello.

Their collaboration with Walt Disney Studios began when they were hired as staff songwriters, leading to a string of hits for films like “The Absent-Minded Professor,” “The Parent Trap,” and “The Aristocats.”

Throughout their career, the Sherman brothers earned nine Academy Award nominations and won two Oscars in 1965 for their work on “Mary Poppins.”

In 2005, they were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, cementing their legacy in the music industry. Richard Sherman continued to write music, contributing to projects like “Iron Man 2” and “Christopher Robin.”

Reflecting on his creative process, Sherman described how melodies would come to him spontaneously, serving as his constant source of inspiration.

Richard M. Sherman’s passing marks the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy of timeless music that continues to enchant audiences worldwide.