WATCH: Disney’s ‘The Last Verse’ Celebrates the Impact and Legacy of the Sherman Brothers

On May 25, 2024, the Disney world got a little bit darker when the legendary songwriter Richard Sherman passed away at the age of 95.

It is hard to overstate the impact of the Sherman Brothers on Disney’s history. Beginning in the 1960’s the brothers would contribute songs to a litany of classic Disney films including The Absent-Minded Professor (1961), The Parent Trap (1961), Summer Magic (1963), The Sword in the Stone (1963), Mary Poppins (1964), That Darn Cat! (1965), Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree (1966), The Jungle Book (1967), The Happiest Millionaire (1967), The Aristocats (1970), and Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971).

For Mary Poppins, the Shermans wrote some of the most enduring music in the Disney canon, including “Chim Chim Cher-ee,” “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” and “Feed the Birds.”

Writing “It’s a Small World”

Outside of the movies, Richard and Robert Sherman would lend their talents to the Disney Parks. In this capacity, the brothers wrote numerous iconic songs, including “The Tiki, Tiki, Tiki Room,” “Makin’ Memories,” and “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow.”

Photo: D23

Their most enduring composition, however, would be “It’s a Small World.”

‘The Last Verse’

In a touching tribute to Richard Sherman, Disney has released a short film titled The Last Verse.

The featurette showcases the impact of “It’s a Small World” on people around the globe. It also highlights Richard’s final gift to Disney, a new third and final verse for “It’s a Small World.”

The Last Verse. Photo: Disney

The Last Verse originally aired during The Untold Story of Mary Poppins: A Special Edition of 20/20 on ABC. It was also shown during the Holiday: A D23 Musical Celebration of Richard M. Sherman at D23: The Ultimate Fan Event.

Now, fans can watch the featurette on YouTube and Disney+.

Thanks for everything, Richard.