Robert B. Sherman

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

(Redirected from Sacrifice (painting))
Jump to: navigation, search
Robert B. Sherman
taken in 2002
taken in 2002
Background information
Birth name Robert Bernard Sherman
Born December 19, 1925 (1925-12-19) (age 82)
Origin Flag of the United States New York City, New York, U.S.
Occupation(s) songwriter, screenwriter, publisher

Robert B. Sherman (born December 19, 1925) (see also: "Sherman Brothers") is an American songwriter who specializes in musical films with his brother Richard M. Sherman. Some of Sherman's best known writing includes the songs from Mary Poppins, The Jungle Book, Winnie the Pooh, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, The Slipper and the Rose and the theme park song, "It's a Small World (after all)". He is also known for his work as a painter.

Contents

Robert Bernard Sherman was born in December 19, 1925 in New York City. His parents, Rosa (pronounced: "Rose") & Al Sherman paid Robert's hospital delivery costs with a royalty check which had arrived that day. The title of the song which covered the hospital bill was "Save Your Sorrow". Al Sherman was to become a well known Tin Pan Alley songwriter.

As a youth, Robert Sherman excelled in intellectual pursuits, taking up the violin and piano, painting and writing poetry. Following seven years of frequent cross-country moves, the Shermans finally settled down in Beverly Hills, California. Throughout his years at Beverly Hills High School, he wrote and produced radio and stage programs for which he won much acclaim. At sixteen, he wrote a stage play entitled, Armistice and Dedication Day which earned thousands of dollars for War Bonds and a special citation from the War Department.

In 1943, Sherman obtained permission from his parents to join the army a year early, at age 17. In early April 1945, he led half a squad of men into Dachau concentration camp, the first Allied troops to enter the camp after it had been evacuated by the fleeing German military only hours earlier. On April 12, 1945, the day President Franklin Delano Roosevelt died, Sherman was shot in the knee forcing him to walk with a cane ever since. For his service to his country, he received two Battle Stars, a Combat Infantryman Badge and a Good Conduct Medal.

During his recuperation in Taunton and Bournemouth England, Sherman was awarded the Purple Heart medal. While still rehabilitating, Sherman first became curious about British culture, reading anything he could find on the subject. Once back on his feet, Sherman met and became friends with many British people, attaining first hand knowledge of the United Kingdom, her customs and people. Years later, Sherman credited this time in his life as the origin of his fascination with England, believing that it proved an invaluable resource to his songwriting career. Many of his best-known works center around English stories, authors and subject matter.

On his return to the United States, Sherman attended Bard College in upstate New York where he majored in English Literature and Painting. Sherman also served as the editor in chief of The Bardian which is the campus newspaper. At Bard Sherman completed his first two novels entitled, The Best Estate and Music, Candy and Painted Eggs. He graduated in the class of 1949. On May 12, 1990 Sherman received an Honorary Doctorate from Lincoln College.

(Left to right) Robert B. Sherman, Richard M. Sherman and Walt Disney sing "There's a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow" (1964)
(Left to right) Robert B. Sherman, Richard M. Sherman and Walt Disney sing "There's a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow" (1964)

Within two years, Sherman and his brother Richard began writing songs together on a challenge from their father. In 1953, Robert married Joyce Sasner, which helped to moderate what had become his wildly bohemian lifestyle in the years following the war.

In 1958, Sherman founded the music publishing company, Music World Corporation, which later enjoyed a landmark relationship with Disney's BMI publishing arm, Wonderland Music Company. That same year, the Sherman Brothers had their first "Top Ten" hit with "Tall Paul", sung by Mouseketeer, Annette Funicello. The success of this song yielded the attention of Walt Disney who eventually hired the Sherman Brothers as Staff Songwriters for Walt Disney Studios.

While at Disney, the Sherman Brothers wrote what is perhaps their best-loved song: "It's a Small World (after all)" for the 1964 New York World's Fair. Since then, "Small World" has become the most translated and performed song on earth.

In 1965, the Sherman Brothers won 2 Academy Awards for Mary Poppins, which includes the songs "Feed The Birds", "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" and the Oscar winner, "Chim Chim Cher-ee". Since Mary Poppins' premiere, Robert B. Sherman has subsequently earned 9 Academy Award nominations, 2 Grammy Awards, 4 Grammy Award nominations and an incredible 23 gold and platinum albums.

Robert and Richard Sherman worked directly for Walt Disney until Disney's death in 1966. Since leaving the company, the brothers have worked freelance as songwriters on scores of motion pictures, television shows, theme park exhibits and stage musicals.

Their first non-Disney assignment came with Albert R. Broccoli's motion picture production Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in 1968 which garnered the brothers their third Academy Award Nomination.

In 1973, the Sherman Brothers made history by becoming the only Americans ever to win First Prize at the Moscow Film Festival for Tom Sawyer for which they also authored the screenplay.

The Slipper and the Rose, was picked to be the Royal Command Performance of the year and was attended by Her Royal Highness, Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. A modern musical adaptation of the classic Cinderella story, Slipper also features both song-score and screenplay by the Sherman Brothers. That same year the Sherman Brothers received their star on the Hollywood "Walk of Fame" directly across from Grauman's Chinese Theater.

Their numerous other Disney and Non-Disney top box office film credits include The Jungle Book (1967), The Aristocats (1970), The Parent Trap (1961), The Parent Trap (1998), Charlotte's Web (1973) , The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (1977), Snoopy, Come Home (1972), Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971) and Little Nemo: Adventures In Slumberland (1992).

(Left to right) Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman on the cover of the 1991 publication: The Sherman Brothers Songbook, published by Hal Leonard Music.
(Left to right) Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman on the cover of the 1991 publication: The Sherman Brothers Songbook, published by Hal Leonard Music.

Outside the motion picture realm, their Tony nominated smash hit, Over Here! (1974) was the biggest-grossing original Broadway Musical of that year. The Sherman Brothers have also written numerous top selling songs including "You're Sixteen" which holds the distinction of reaching Billboard's #1 spot twice; first with Johnny Burnette in 1960 and then with Ringo Starr fourteen years later. Other top-ten hits include, "Pineapple Princess", "Let's Get Together" and more.

In 2000, the Sherman Brothers wrote the song score for Disney's blockbuster film: The Tigger Movie (2000). This film marked the brothers' first major motion picture for the Disney company in over twenty eight years.

In 2002, Chitty hit the London stage and received rave revues. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is currently the most successful stage show ever produced at the London Palladium boasting the longest run in that century old theatre's history. In early 2005 a second Chitty company premiered on Broadway (New York City) at the Hilton Theatre. The Sherman Brothers wrote an additional six songs specifically for the new stage productions.

In 2002, Sherman moved from Beverly Hills to London, England where he continues to write and paint.

In 2003, four Sherman Brothers' musicals ranked in the "Top 10 Favorite Children's Films of All Time" in a (British) nationwide poll reported by the BBC. The Jungle Book (1967)_ranked at #7, Mary Poppins (1964) ranked at #8, The Aristocats (1970) ranked at #9 and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968) topped the list at #1.

A new Disney and Cameron Mackintosh production of Mary Poppins: The Stage Musical made its world premier at the Prince Edward Theatre in December 2004 and features the Sherman Brothers classic songs.

In June 2005, Robert B. Sherman was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Also in June 2005, a tribute was paid to Robert B. Sherman at the Théâtre de Vevey in Switzerland by the Ballet Romand. Chitty commenced its full UK tour in December 2005.

In 2006, Robert Sherman completed an autobiographical novel entitled Moose. In 2008 Poppins is scheduled to embark on a UK tour. A forthcoming US tour is also expected for both Poppins and Chitty.

Sherman dedicating a print of his painting, "Sacrifice" (Behind) to the Western Marble Arch Synagogue in London in 2004. Officiating was Dr. Jonathan Sacks, Chief Rabbi of the British Empire and Commonwealth.
Sherman dedicating a print of his painting, "Sacrifice" (Behind) to the Western Marble Arch Synagogue in London in 2004. Officiating was Dr. Jonathan Sacks, Chief Rabbi of the British Empire and Commonwealth.

A lesser known aspect of Sherman's life is his painting which he has done since 1941 and kept private (except from his family and close friends)[1] until 2002. Sherman studied painting while attending Bard College, receiving a double degree in both Painting and English Literature. Sherman has worked in various visual arts media, including clay and metal sculpture, but his main focus was oil painting throughout the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s. He switched to acrylics in the mid 1960s, and has painted in that medium ever since.

In April 2002, an exhibition of Sherman's paintings was held in London, England, at Thompsons' Gallery on Marylebone High Street. This marked the first public exhibition of his paintings since he started painting in 1941. Sherman subsequently exhibited his paintings in Florida and California.

"Carousel In The Country" by Robert Sherman 1982, inspired by the carousel ride in the musical film "Mary Poppins".
"Carousel In The Country" by Robert Sherman 1982, inspired by the carousel ride in the musical film "Mary Poppins".

Paintings which have appeared at the various exhibitions include: "On Route 9G" (c.1949), "Self Portrait" (1970), "San Francisco (1970)", "Moses" (1977), "Carousel In The Country" (1982), "From the Dining Room (1982)", "Sacrifice" (1983), "Florid Window" (1984), "Geisha (1986)", "Fine Four Fendered Friend (2002)" and "Park Lane" (2003).[2] On March 4, 2007, Sherman and his younger son, Robbie, donated limited edition prints of "Moses" and "Sacrifice" to the Giffnock Synagogue in Glasgow, Scotland.

Sherman married Joyce Ruth (Sasner) Sherman on September 27, 1953. Joyce and Robert had four children named Laurie, Jeff, Tracy and Robbie. Laurie Sherman has three children; Joshua, Sarah and Amy Kirshbaum. Jeff Sherman has two children; Alex and Ryan. Joyce Sherman died on October 16, 2001.

In 2000, the Sherman Brothers wrote the award winning score to The Tigger Movie which achieved number one status in both theatrical box office and video sales.

ORIGINAL LONDON CAST - "JANES & MICHAELS". Left to right (FRONT): Poppy Lee Friar, Jack Montgomery, Perry Millward, Harry Stott, Ben Watton, Jake Catterall, Nicola Bowman. Left to right (BACK): Charlotte Spencer, Faye Spittlehouse, Carrie Fletcher, Robert B. Sherman. (Photo Date: 19 July 2004)
ORIGINAL LONDON CAST - "JANES & MICHAELS". Left to right (FRONT): Poppy Lee Friar, Jack Montgomery, Perry Millward, Harry Stott, Ben Watton, Jake Catterall, Nicola Bowman. Left to right (BACK): Charlotte Spencer, Faye Spittlehouse, Carrie Fletcher, Robert B. Sherman. (Photo Date: 19 July 2004)

The Sherman Brothers' classic motion picture, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was adapted into a London West End Musical in 2002 and premiered at the London Palladium on April 16, 2002 featuring many new songs and a reworked score by both Sherman Brothers. It was nominated for a 2003 Laurence Olivier Theatre Award for Best New Musical. The Sherman Brothers each received the "Musical Theatre Award" from the Variety Club of Great Britain that year as well for Chitty.

Chitty finished a record breaking, three and a half year run at the Palladium becoming the longest running show in the theatre's century long history. 2004 saw the premiere of Mary Poppins on the stage. In 2005, Poppins was nominated for nine Olivier Awards. In 2005 Chitty went to Broadway and was nominated for 9 Tonys and also began its nation wide (UK) tour.

On June 9, 2005, Sherman was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame alongside Bill Withers, Steve Cropper, John Fogerty, Isaac Hayes, Dave Porter and his brother, Richard Sherman.

In 2006, Sherman began preproduction on the film project Inkas the Ramferinkas and on November 16, 2006, Mary Poppins premiered on Broadway at the New Amsterdam Theater.

In 2005 Robert Sherman established an annual scholarship award in his name through the BMI Foundation. The awardee is chosen by BMI's Lehman Engel program with some consultation with Sherman. The first awardee was announced in November, 2006. Awardees are chosen for their excellence in musical comedy songwriting with an emphasis on lyric writing.[3] Following is a list of the annual winners since the award's inception:

  • 2006 - Andrew Nellessen
  • 2007 - Michael Mitnick

Since 2002, Robert Sherman has lived in London, England. He moved from Beverly Hills while Richard Sherman remained in California. Surprisingly; however, the separation did not impede the brothers' collaborative process. The brothers have credited this to the technological advents of fax machines, email and low cost, international telephone service. Also, both brothers travel between Los Angeles, New York and London frequently which also facilitates their work. Since Robert's move, the brothers have continued to collaborate on various musical plays as well as a feature, animated, film musical which incorporates their original story, song score and screenplay.

Robert B. Sherman & Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother at the 1976 Royal Command Performance of The Slipper and the Rose.
Robert B. Sherman & Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother at the 1976 Royal Command Performance of The Slipper and the Rose.

The London Palladium in 2004
The London Palladium in 2004
Prince Edward Theatre in 2005
Prince Edward Theatre in 2005

  • 1991 "Lifetime Achievement Award" awarded at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Los Angeles, California.
  • 1977 "Pioneer Award" awarded in Los Angeles, California.

  • 1973 First Place Award in the category of "Best Music" for Tom Sawyer

  • 2005 induction at the Marriott Hotel on Times Square in New York.

To "Richard & Robert Sherman" awarded on: November 17, 1976, located at: 6914 Hollywood Blvd.

  1. ^ Walt's Time
  2. ^ http://www.robertshermanart.com
  3. ^ http://www.bmifoundation.com/news/200611/20061108b.asp

Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_B._Sherman"
Advanced Search
Included Web Search Engines


Safe Search

close

Top Matching Results

Occasionally Search.com will highlight specialized results that are based on the context of your query. Examples of specialized results include specific links to news, images, or video.

Top Matching Results may highlight information from other Search.com pages, content from the CNET Network of sites, or third party content. The listings are based purely on relevance. Search.com does not receive payment for listings in this section but our partners that provide this data may get paid for listing these products.

Sponsored Links

This section contains paid listings which have been purchased by companies that want to have their sites appear for specific search terms and related content. These listings are administered, sorted and maintained by a third party and are not endorsed by Search.com.

Search Results

Search.com sends your search query to several search engines at one time and integrates the results into one list which has been sorted by relevance using Search.com's proprietary algorithm. You can customize the list of search engines included in your metasearch from the preferences.

The search engines that are used in your metasearch may allow companies to pay to have their Web sites included within the results. To view the Paid Inclusion policy for a specific search engine, please visit their Web site. Search.com does not accept payment or share revenue with any search engine partner for listings in this section.