Jewish-American tunesmith behind Disney classics dies at 95

(JNS) — Acclaimed songwriter Richard M. Sherman, who along with his late brother Robert crafted the iconic melodies for Disney cinematic gems such as “Mary Poppins,” “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” and “The Jungle Book,” died on Saturday aged 95 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Beverly Hills due to age-related illness.

One of the most prolific composer-lyricists in the history of family entertainment and a key member of Walt Disney’s inner circle of creative talents, Richard garnered nine Academy Award nominations (winning two Oscars for his work on the 1964 classic Mary Poppins), won three Grammy...