ROBERT SHERMAN REMEMBERED

On Monday last, March 5th, I lost my own personal hero. He was a songwriter. He was however no ordinary songwriter. He was a master craftsman and musician and lyricist and together with his dear brother Richard he created some of the best songs in the entire world. He helped create words like "Fortuosity", "Fantasmagorical" "Toot Sweets" and so many others. Here he poses with his brother Richard and the famous Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Car that was the star of their great musical "Chitty, Chitty Bang Bang". I have admired the brothers work since I was a teenager when there were songs like "Pineapple Princess", "Tall Paul" and "Mister Piano Man". He was a gentleman and my friend. I represented his young son, Robby and while Robbie was songwriting full on his own, I went to his house many times. I can not begin to tell you how much influence he has had upon me as a songwriter, myself. He would give critiques that were so very helpful. So now with my partner I have written over nine hundred songs and without the Sherman's influence, I don't think I would have written one. He was a sweet gentle man who always gave you the most amazing encouragement and wisdom. After he moved to London, there was little communication except through Facebook and E mail, but it still remained. He and his brother were working on a new musical called "The Merry Go Round" which I am hoping is complete enough to go forward. Every lyric he wrote was so special. The three words a song must be Simple. Sincere and singable will long be in my head as absolute credo. He was an amazing man who was an absolute gift to his family and any one who ever had the chance to meet. God Bless You, dear, Robert. I can bet you and Walt will have much to talk about. Robert Sherman was both kind and brilliant: a shining light that will remain forever in my heart.