Richard M. Sherman, the late songwriter who, with his brother Robert B. Sherman, wrote classic songs for dozens of Disney musicals and animated movies, penned one last verse to “It’s a Small World” before he died at age 95 in May.
On Wednesday, Nov. 27, the Walt Disney Companyunveileda brand-new short film titledThe Last Verseand announced that Richard shared the new verse with Disney’s CEOBob Igerin 2023, writing that it was “his final gift to the studio that he so deeply cherished.”
The song’s final verse was commemorated in the newly released short film and ABC News' Nov. 27 documentary event honoring the 60th anniversary of 1964’sMary Poppins, for which Richard and Robert wonAcademy Awardsfor Best Original Song and Best Original Score.
Richard Sherman and his brother Robert Sherman.The Walt Disney Company
The Walt Disney Company
The Last Versefeatures archival footage of the lateWalt Disneyhimself speaking to the Sherman brothers' contributions, as well as other footage of children, punk bands, astronauts, characters fromThe Lion Kingand people all over the world and over the years singing “It’s a Small World.”
The video then displays footage of Richard’s office, including photographs of him with Mickey and Minnie Mouse and his piano before settling on a notepad featuring the new lyrics he wrote: “Mother Earth unites us in heart and mind / and the love we give makes us human kind / Through our vast wondrous land / when we stand hand in hand / it’s a small world after all.”
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“As the legendary creators of some of the most cherished music of the past century, the Sherman brothers will be remembered for their profound impact on our global culture,” Iger, 73, said in a statement. “Hearing Richard Sherman recite the final verse to ‘It’s a Small World’ before he died will be a moment I will carry with me forever. This beautiful short film is our tribute to their immeasurable musical contributions, their memory, and to the countless memories they helped create for generations of people around the world.”
Richard Sherman in a photograph with Mickey and Minnie Mouse, as seen in Disney’s short film The Last Verse.The Walt Disney Company
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“It’s a Small World,” of course, was written to accompany riders on the theme park attraction of the same name found at Disney’s theme parks around the globe. According to a 2014TIMEarticle, the tune is “very likely the most played song in music history.”
source: people.com
