Robert Sherman, 'It's A Small World After All' Songwriter, Dies at 86

Songwriter Robert Sherman passed away at on Monday, March 5 in London. Sherman best known for creating the catchy tunes of It's a Small World After All and the Mary Poppins hit songs Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious and A Spoonful of Sugar, was 86 years old.

Sherman's son, Jeff, posted on Facebook late Monday night about the death of his father. In the statement he asked everyone reading to pray for his father, who he loved dearly.

There are few details are known about the death of Sherman at this time.

Sherman was born on Dec. 19, 1925 in New York to Russian-Jewish immigrants. At the age of 17 in 1943, Sherman joined the military to help the war effort during World War II. He was wounded in 1945, forcing him to walk with a cane until he died. He received two Battles, a Combat Infantryman Badge, a Good Conduct Medal, the Purple Heart and several victory badges.

After returning from the war, he and his brother, Richard, collaborated on many musical projects together. They several rock songs including Kitty Wells' Things I Might Have Been, Johnny Burnette's You're Sixteen, reported Broadway World. Eventually, the brothers were recruited by Walkt Disney to be exclusive writers for Disney Studios.

During the 1950s, the pair composed over 150 songs that were featured in 27 films. They won their first Oscar in 1965 for their Mary Poppins hit, Chim-Chim-Cher-ee, reported Broadway World. The Sherman brothers earned two Academy Awards in Total, with nine nominations, two Grammy Awards with 4 nominations, 23 gold platinum albums, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

READ Jeff Sherman's FULL STATEMENT HERE

Hello to family and friends,

I have very sad news to convey.

My Dad, Robert B. Sherman, passed away tonight in London. He went peacefully after months of truly valiantly fending off death. He loved life and his dear heart finally slowed to a stop when he could fight no more.

I will write more about this incredible man I love and admire so much when I am better rested and composed. He deserves that.

In the meantime, please say a prayer for him. As he said, he wanted to bring happiness to the world and, unquestionably, he succeeded. His love and his prayers, his philosophy and his poetry will live on forever. Forever his songs and his genius will bring hope, joy and love to this small, small world.

I love you, Dad.

Safe travels.

Love,

Jeff