The Sherman Brothers for 2011 Kennedy Center Honors nomination (update 9/9 post #27)

[Mouse Skywalker]

Hello Everyone: I know many of us love and appreciate the music of Disney Legends Richard and Robert Sherman. Their songs are seared into our memories, and make up such a large part of our theme park experience. Many of us watched "the boys: the sherman brothers story", and were also touched by their very human story of sibling rivalry. Well now there is a way we fans can give back. One of Robert Sherman's sons, Robbie Sherman, is mounting a grassroots campaign to get his father and uncle nominated for the 2011 Kennedy Center Honors. Please see his letter below - I know I will be sending in a letter.

(L to R) Robert Sherman, Richard Sherman, and Walt Disney

July 14, 2011

Dear Friends of the Sherman Brothers:

WE NEED YOUR HELP! A number of people have been speaking with me about getting the Sherman Brothers nominated for the 2011 Kennedy Center Honors and I certainly think it’s a great idea! If you are willing to help out with this, please write a letter recommending the Sherman Brothers for this high profile commendation. Letters to this effect should be sent to the following address:

The Kennedy Center Honors
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
2700 F Street NW
Washington, DC 20566

Also, be sure to make it clear at the top of your letter that your letter is “RE: SHERMAN BROTHERS FOR 2011 KENNEDY CENTER HONORS”.

Grassroots campaigns are officially welcomed by KCH. The deciding committee will be meeting in August, so letters should be sent out ASAP! Additionally I have arranged for copies of “Walt’s Time” (the SB’s joint autobiography), “The Boys” (a documentary film) and “The Sherman Brothers’ Songbook” (a 2 disc CD) to be made available to the committee as well.

The Sherman Brothers are my father and uncle respectively, and for that reason I can’t really be expected to be objective on the matter. Nevertheless, I feel confident in the assertion that no other songwriters’ music and lyrics better capture the essence of our civilization’s highest ideals and aspirations. It is for this reason as well as so many other, immeasurable contributions which the Sherman Brothers have made to the arts and culture, that I hope that you will join me in this effort.

Please let me know if you decide to write a letter. It will be useful to have a general count. Lastly, if anyone reading this personally knows someone on the KCH Deciding Committee, a conversation with that person would be extremely helpful as well. Any other ideas are welcome too. Thank you in advance for your efforts.

Very truly yours,

Robbie Sherman

Click here to see the sample letter provided by Robbie Sherman.

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

Here's the letter I just wrote, if anyone wants an example. Feel free to modify this if you'd like, but just don't copy it word for word. I think that would dilute the significance of the letters in the committee's eyes. Share what the Sherman Brothers' music has meant to you and your family, how it has shaped your memories, how it makes you feel when you hear it, etc.

Let's show our appreciation for their work by helping the Sherman Brothers get the 2011 Kennedy Center Honors!

July 14, 2011

The Kennedy Center Honors
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
2700 F Street NW
Washington, DC 20566

RE: SHERMAN BROTHERS FOR 2011 KENNEDY CENTER HONORS

Dear KCH Nominating Committee,

I am writing in hopes you will consider nominating the Sherman Brothers, Richard and Robert Sherman, for the 2011 Kennedy Center Honors. The Shermans’ are one of our country’s most prolific song-writing teams responsible for over 1,000 songs across a 50 year career. They created some of the most iconic and cherished family songs in the American songbook including musical film scores for Mary Poppins (1964), The Jungle Book (1967), Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968), the Aristocats (1970), Charlotte’s Web (1973), and The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (1977), to name a few. During their 13 years working for the Walt Disney Company (from 1960-1973), the Sherman Brothers received four Academy Award nominations (winning two for Mary Poppins) and composed 200 songs for 27 films, two dozen television productions, and scores of theme park attractions. Traveling to Disneyland or Walt Disney World is a rite of passage for many American families, and such a large part of that iconic American experience has been shaped by the music of the Sherman Brothers with songs such as: “it’s a small world (after all)”, “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow”, “The Tiki, Tiki, Tiki Room”, “One Little Spark”, “Winnie the Pooh”, and “Wonderful World of Color.”

Richard and Robert Sherman truly embody the spirit of the Kennedy Center Honors as they have spent their lifetimes “enriching, inspiring, and elevating the cultural vibrancy of our nation and the world” with their music. Their music has shaped and defined our country, and its influence has affected families worldwide. Their songs have impacted film, television, and the world of themed entertainment. The message of arguably one of the most translated songs in the world is as relevant today as it was when it was written nearly 50 years ago:

there’s so much that we share/ that it’s time we’re aware/ it’s a small world after all.

Thank you for your consideration of the Sherman Brothers for the 2011 Kennedy Center Honors.

All my best,

David Parfitt

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

That's awesome, will do. Robbie is a super nice guy, too.

 

[The_Alice]

Here's what I wrote:
I write today asking that you consider Robert and Richard Sherman, more commonly known as The Sherman Brothers, for the 2011 Kennedy Center Honors. With a songbook that spans several decades, and over 1,000 songs they have made an indelible impression on the American culture from the 1950’s forward.

Their songs and scores are iconic: Mary Poppins, for which they won two Academy Awards for Best Original Song and Best Original Score, respectively; Follow Me Boys; The Parent Trap; The Happiest Millionaire; Bed Knobs & Broomsticks; Summer Magic; The Jungle Book; Chitty Chitty Bang Bang; the Aristocats; Charlotte’s Web; & The Many Adventures of Winnie The Pooh just to name a few.

As well they have made contributions to the Walt Disney Company's many theme parks with the songs: "The Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Room", "It’s A Small World (After All)", "There’s A Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow", for the Carousel of Progress, "One Little Spark", for Journey Into Imagination, "Winnie The Pooh", and "Wonderful World of Color" for the show of the same name.

I am hard pressed to remember a spot or time in my life that has not resonated with their music. I used to sit next to my Grandmother on Saturday afternoons and watch Mary Poppins and sing “A Spoonful of Sugar Helps the Medicine Go Down!” or “It’s a Jolly Holiday with Mary!” And now, having my own children, the Sherman Brothers’ “Feed the Birds”, reminds me of the tender and fleeting time I have to share with them.

Theirs is the music of not just one generation, but many. As now my own children watch these beloved films and visit the Disney Parks they learn and love these classic songs. I realize what started with my mother’s time and the Baby Boomers has now spanned down to their grandchildren. And I have no reason to believe it will stop there.

They have contributed to the performing arts in such a rare, positive and wonderful way I find it hard to phrase their impact not just on me but on the millions of others who have been touched by their words and music. I ask that you please consider them for the Kennedy Center Honors for 2011. I cannot think of two more deserving artists. The Sherman Brothers are not just Disney Legends, they are American Legends.

I thank you for your time.

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

Here's what I wrote:
I write today asking that you consider Robert and Richard Sherman, more commonly known as The Sherman Brothers, for the 2011 Kennedy Center Honors. With a songbook that spans several decades, and over 1,000 songs they have made an indelible impression on the American culture from the 1950’s forward.

Their songs and scores are iconic: Mary Poppins, for which they won two Academy Awards for Best Original Song and Best Original Score, respectively; Follow Me Boys; The Parent Trap; The Happiest Millionaire; Bed Knobs & Broomsticks; Summer Magic; The Jungle Book; Chitty Chitty Bang Bang; the Aristocats; Charlotte’s Web; & The Many Adventures of Winnie The Pooh just to name a few.

As well they have made contributions to the Walt Disney Company's many theme parks with the songs: "The Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Room", "It’s A Small World (After All)", "There’s A Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow", for the Carousel of Progress, "One Little Spark", for Journey Into Imagination, "Winnie The Pooh", and "Wonderful World of Color" for the show of the same name.

I am hard pressed to remember a spot or time in my life that has not resonated with their music. I used to sit next to my Grandmother on Saturday afternoons and watch Mary Poppins and sing “A Spoonful of Sugar Helps the Medicine Go Down!” or “It’s a Jolly Holiday with Mary!” And now, having my own children, the Sherman Brothers’ “Feed the Birds”, reminds me of the tender and fleeting time I have to share with them.

Theirs is the music of not just one generation, but many. As now my own children watch these beloved films and visit the Disney Parks they learn and love these classic songs. I realize what started with my mother’s time and the Baby Boomers has now spanned down to their grandchildren. And I have no reason to believe it will stop there.

They have contributed to the performing arts in such a rare, positive and wonderful way I find it hard to phrase their impact not just on me but on the millions of others who have been touched by their words and music. I ask that you please consider them for the Kennedy Center Honors for 2011. I cannot think of two more deserving artists.

Thank you for your time.

What a wonderful letter! Thanks.

 

[WaltD4Me]

Working on my letter now. Can't think of anyone more deserving. Thanks for letting us know Dave!

 

[The_Alice]

What a wonderful letter! Thanks.

Thank YOU for letting us know! Mine is going in the post today.

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

I wanted to share this note I received from Robbie Sherman. He asked me to encourage as many as possible to write to the committee.

Dear Dave: Thank you for your support re: the Kennedy Center Honors campaign! PLEASE CONTINUE TO ENCOURAGE AS MANY OTHERS AS YOU CAN THINK OF TO WRITE IN AS WELL! I want to make sure that we can make a big impact on the deciding committee as is possible! All the best, --Robbie Sherman..

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

Robbie Sherman, son of Disney Legend Robert Sherman, posted another note on Facebook regarding the letter writing campaign. Let's keep it up everyone, and get those letters in!

Here's Robbie's note:

First of all, to everyone here who has committed to writing a letter, THANK YOU! Secondly, to those of you who have gotten others to write letters-- a SUPER THANK YOU! And thank you for all the BLOG mentions and other social networking th...at's going on outside of this facebook page. To everyone else here who hasn't written yet, please write a letter AND PLEASE ASK OTHERS TO WRITE LETTERS AS WELL! Letters do not have to be long or detailed, just heartfelt. And again, Thanks. All the best, Robbie

 

[foodrocksluver]

Here's mine. I wept when I wrote it. People now think I'm nuts.

I am writing in hopes you will consider nominating the Sherman Brothers, Richard and Robert Sherman, for the 2011 Kennedy Center Honors.

I started going to Walt Disney World when I was three years old (which was in 1991) and have gone every year since. I used to believe that Walt Disney himself was the mastermind behind every single aspect of Disney World but as I grew up I realized just how many amazing people it took to create the Happiest Place on Earth. And I would be a fool to say that the Sherman Brothers didn’t have a huge impact on making the magic happen.

People think I’m crazy but I sit in my office at work and listen to Disney park music all day. I sing along to “One Little Spark” and think of Figment and the Dreamfinder storing their ideas in the idea bag. I hear “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow” and see my mother and I singing it to cheer Sarah up after John’s paint mixer sloshed paint across her rumpus room. “The Tiki, Tiki, Tiki, Room” reminds me that “all the birds sing words and the flowers croon” and “It’s a Small World” is the song that you really love but hate that you can never get it out of your head.

The Sherman Brothers’ music has impacted my life in a way words just can not describe and for that I think they should top honors. Not many 24 year olds would feel the same way, but their music is truly magical and a thing of great beauty.

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

Here's mine. I wept when I wrote it. People now think I'm nuts.

I am writing in hopes you will consider nominating the Sherman Brothers, Richard and Robert Sherman, for the 2011 Kennedy Center Honors.

I started going to Walt Disney World when I was three years old (which was in 1991) and have gone every year since. I used to believe that Walt Disney himself was the mastermind behind every single aspect of Disney World but as I grew up I realized just how many amazing people it took to create the Happiest Place on Earth. And I would be a fool to say that the Sherman Brothers didn’t have a huge impact on making the magic happen.

People think I’m crazy but I sit in my office at work and listen to Disney park music all day. I sing along to “One Little Spark” and think of Figment and the Dreamfinder storing their ideas in the idea bag. I hear “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow” and see my mother and I singing it to cheer Sarah up after John’s paint mixer sloshed paint across her rumpus room. “The Tiki, Tiki, Tiki, Room” reminds me that “all the birds sing words and the flowers croon” and “It’s a Small World” is the song that you really love but hate that you can never get it out of your head.

The Sherman Brothers’ music has impacted my life in a way words just can not describe and for that I think they should top honors. Not many 24 year olds would feel the same way, but their music is truly magical and a thing of great beauty.

Thank you so much for writing. Great letter!

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

Hello Everyone, thank you for those that have written letters already in support of the Sherman Brothers' nomination for the 2011 Kennedy Center Honors. If you have not written yet, Robbie Sherman has sent one final request for our help. Won't you consider sending a letter in support of the Sherman Brothers? Dave

From Robbie Sherman, son of Robert Sherman.

July 28, 2011

Dear Friends:

ONE FINAL REQUEST! I've purposely kept the SHERMAN BROS. 4 KENNEDY CENTER HONORS facebook campaign to a minimum. Nobody joins facebook just to be hounded constantly by people nagging for something. For that reason this will be my last request regarding this.

August is drawing near and this is the month when the Kennedy Center Honors committee will be meeting to make their decisions on Honorees. So if you haven't written a letter of support, urging the committee members to consider the Sherman Bros. for this year's ceremonies, but would still like to-- NOW IS THE TIME!! NOW IS THE BEST TIME!! We need your support if we're going to make this happen! Also If you know others who will write a letter, please ask them to do so as well.

Lastly, thank you everyone who has already written a letter, posted on a blog or used some other form of social networking to move this project forward. Again, please let me know if you decide to write a letter, it helps to know roughly how many letters have made the committee's (snailmail) inbox. Once more, letters should be sent to the following address:

The Kennedy Center Honors
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
2700 F Street NW
Washington, DC 20566

Also, be sure to make it clear at the top of your letter that your letter is “Regarding: SHERMAN BROTHERS FOR KENNEDY CENTER HONORS”.

Thank you,

Robbie Sherman

 

[WaltD4Me]

I sent my letter out on Monday. I can't think of two people more deserving of this honor. Their songs and contributions are iconic, loved by millions and known around the world. Can anyone imagine a world without A Spoonfull of Sugar or Supercalifragilicticexpialidious? Please take the time to write a letter!
Disney wouldn't be Disney without the Sherman Brothers!

 

[deekaypee]

I forgot to tell you that I sent in a letter just before my trip. I got it out but forgot to mention it, naturally. FWIW, I focused heavily on "it's a small world (after all), its cultural context (1964 NY World's Fair, globalism/diversity, and presence in Disney theme parks) and spirit of American optimism.

 

[oc_tony]

DW here . I sent a letter earlier this week. Only took about 10 minutes of my day. It wasn't super long, but just told about how much I love Disney music and how much the Sherman Brothers deserve this honor.

 

[DWGal210]

I'll write my letter tonight!

 

[apurplebrat]

I sent my letter!

 

[TSWJan78]

Letter Wrote!! Thanks for the info Dave

 

[ragtopday]

My letter hits the mail today! Here's hoping we've made a difference!

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

Here is another sample letter provided by Robbie Sherman.

SAMPLE LETTER:To Whom It May Concern:

I would like to propose the Academy Award winning Sherman Brothers (Robert B. Sherman and Richard M. Sherman respectively) for consideration for the 2011 Kennedy Center Honors. Perhaps more than any other songwriters in recent history, The Sherman Brothers have contributed to the fabric of one of America’s own great art forms– The Family Film Musical.

The Sherman Brothers have written unforgettable musical song scores including: Mary Poppins, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, The Jungle Book, Winnie the Pooh, Tom Sawyer, The Parent Trap, Snoopy Come Home, Bedknobs and Broomsticks, Charlotte’s Web, The Aristocats, The Slipper and the Rose, The Magic of Lassie, Little Nemo: Adventures in Slumberland, The Tigger Movie and the list goes on!

In fact, the Sherman Brothers have written more motion picture song scores than any other songwriters in history. When one considers the tremendous size of their catalogue as well as the vast popularity and relevance of their work, it almost seems strange that Kennedy Center Honors has not granted them this accolade already.

I believe that if you stopped 10 random, diverse Americans on the street today, in any city or state in the Union, named a few Sherman Brothers songs like “Supercalifragilisticexpia​lidocious” or “The Wonderful Thing About Tiggers” or “A Spoonful of Sugar”, those 10 Americans would not only recognize those songs, the mere mention of those songs would bring a smile to their faces. More importantly, most, if not all of those 10 would be able to sing some of those Sherman Brothers songs by heart. This last point alone reveals how culturally significant Richard and Robert Sherman’s contribution to American culture has been.

Lastly, in the wake of the final Space Shuttle mission, it becomes apparent how paralleled the Sherman Brothers’ music is to the mission of John F. Kennedy himself. No other songwriters’ work better exemplifies the spirit of hope and adventure that was at the very heart of President Kennedy’s administration. If any songwriters were to be awarded a Kennedy Center Honor, it strikes me as particularly logical and fitting that it should be the Sherman Brothers.

Consider what is perhaps the Sherman Brothers’ most well loved song, “It’s A Small World (After All)” (which, by the way, was written during the time John F. Kennedy was President). This song marked the first instance a world anthem had ever been written. This seemingly simple anthem’s infectious melody and profound sentiment subtly beckons its listeners to take greater responsibility for their actions and for the world around them:

“There’s so much that we share
That it’s time we’re aware
It’s A Small World After All”

And yet the song exudes optimism and hope with each passing note. The themes of hope and optimism which run through so many Sherman Brothers songs are all the more relevant today. Perhaps that is why the “It’s a Small World” ride is a central fixture of every Disney theme park, spanning the globe. It is amazing to think that this song is played somewhere on the globe, every minute of the day, every day of the year. The sun does not set on this song. This seems to be the overarching characteristic of Sherman Brothers music- that it is as relevant today as it was 10, 20, 40, even 50 years ago.

It is with the foregoing in mind that I hope you will seriously consider my recommendation of the Sherman Brothers for acknowledgment at this year’s Kennedy Center Honors. Thank you for taking the time to read this letter and for your attention to my recommendation.

Sincerely,