D23 Tribute to Richard M. Sherman Brings Together Disney Elites for Musical Celebration. I have to start our reviews of D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event with what most people agree was “The” panel to be in the ‘room where it happened’. I have to admit, for me personally, this was one of the greatest D23 panels I have ever been a witness to. Not only was it heartfelt, but it was genuine, the love for Richard M Sherman permeated the room on Sunday, August 11th, 2024.
By the time the panel had ended at the Premier Stage, we felt emotionally drained as if we were witnesses to a memorial service, but in a good and positive way. It is hard to describe those sentiments, how can you walk away from a wake feeling good? Just add a spoonful of sugar, maybe an Enchanted bird or two, and use a figment of your imagination.
Who was/is Richard M. Sherman and why does this matter? Richard M. Sherman was one half of the legendary Sherman Brothers, alongside his brother Robert B. Sherman. Together, they created some of the most beloved songs in film history. Their work with Disney, including classics like “Mary Poppins,” “The Jungle Book,” and “Winnie the Pooh,” has left an enduring impact on generations of children and adults alike. Their songs are filled with joy, wonder, and nostalgia.
Before the Jolly Holiday – A D23 Musical Celebration of Richard M. Sherman no one knew who would be speaking or singing the songs. After Horizons: Disney Experience Showcase the night before, where John Stamos made a cameo appearance, the D23 app updated the panel listing him as host. So, we did know at least one person when we entered the Premier Stage that early afternoon.
Prior to the start of Jolly Holiday, Disney had put together a new video package of the classic ‘it’s a small world’ song. Watch below.
When Robert (Bob) Iger Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of The Walt Disney Company walked onto the stage to start the celebration we, the audience, knew this was going to be special, which it was! With a dais that consisted of the who’s who of the Disney Universe, we were treated to some special one-of-a-kind moments. Mr. Iger shared a powerful story of the last time he had ever met with Richard Sherman at Disney. Richard had asked for a meeting to discuss a project near and dear to his heart, and he had officially written another verse to the classic Disney song ‘it’s a Small World”.
Lucky for us Disney always has cameras rolling, this moment was captured for us, in the audience, to witness. For those who have an emotional connection to classic Disney songs and songbooks, this hit us in all the feels, from Mr. Iger’s story and video that was shared. You can see them below.
Kevin Feige, Floyd Norman, Tony Baxter, and Ashley Brown, joined Don Hann for individual stories about Richard. The love and respect were on full display, with stories about first meetings, and the positive legacy Richard leaves behind. Kevin Feige President of Marvel Studios told a wonderful story of Richard writing a song for Iron Man 2 called ‘Make Way for Tomorrow, Today’ and the first time he got to sit in the room when Richard played the demo version of the song.
Film critic Leonard Maltin and his daughter, Jessie Maltin, were the next stars to grace the stage. Which brought about another special moment. The pair introduced and brought out on the stage none other than Disney Legend herself, Hayley Mills, and Lesley Ann Warren! Together they reprised the hugely popular song “Let’s Get Together” from Disney’s Parent Trap.
Even though Hayley Mills may be 78, she was 14 years old again and so were we while she was singing!
Our host John Stamos not only officiated the Musical Celebration, but he also played drums while singer Darren Criss sang “I Wan’na Be like You (The Monkey Song).”
Later, John Stamos brought Sherman’s son, Greg, to the stage. Expressing gratitude to the dedicated Disney fanbase, Greg said, “Thank you, Disney faithful, for making my dad’s life truly meaningful.” Sherman’s granddaughter, Mandy Rose Wolf, delivered a heartfelt rendition of “The Age of Not Believing” from “Bedknobs and Broomsticks.” The event concluded with a joyous sing-along of “Let’s Go Fly a Kite” from “Mary Poppins,” featuring all the evening’s performers.
I can guarantee that no one had Kevin Feige singing “Let’s Go Fly a Kite” on their D23 bingo card!
What we had known before the panel was Richard M. Sherman wrote our childhood in song, what we left the panel knowing was Richard M. Sherman was more than just the music he left behind. I think his own words can be used here. “There was a time when people believed, people really do believe that tomorrow is going to be better and everything is wonderful, people weren’t cynical, there is a lot of cynicism in the world today, and I truly believe tomorrow is going to be wonderful, that’s the whole thing, very positive.”
He wrote this in The Last Verse, he tried to encapsulate this positivity into one last verse! This is what I kept going back to the whole night and into the next day. I kept going back to these wonderful words that were written down and expressed to Mr. Iger. If I had to sum up Richard M. Sherman, and the feeling that is left behind, that verse is it. I don’t know of a more powerful song that the world needed to hear again than ‘it’s a small world’, and I don’t know a more powerful ending to a career and life that left an indelible mark on me personally. So much so, that I have tears in my eyes remembering him, and the Jolly Holiday D23 Musical Celebration of Richard M. Sherman.
Just not sad tears, happy tears, tears of remembrance, tears of love, tears of nostalgia, and memories. Tears of love for a man I may have never met, but influenced my life in so many ways. I can honestly say, that without his music, I would not be doing what I am doing in life, and I may not have the best memories a person could ever have. But, because of Richard M. Sherman, I have them.
The Last Verse – Richard M Sherman –
“Mother Earth unites us in heart and mind
and the love we give makes us humankind
through our vast wondrous land
when we stand hand in hand
it’s a small world after all”
Thank You, sir!
