I am here with Disney legends Richard Sherman and Floyd Norman,
and we are going to talk some fun Disney stuff.
But first off, let's talk about the book that you guys collaborated on.
Can you tell us a little bit about it?
Well, it all started with a fella named Barrett Rakestraw,
who came up with a story about Walt Disney's early days
when he loved-- he loved fireworks.
It fired his imagination.
He created a book about it and he called it A Kiss Goodnight,
and I thought it was a beautiful title, so I wrote a song about it.
And when Floyd Norman heard this song he says,
"I've got to illustrate this story," so that's how it all started.
Tell us about the illustration.
What inspired you in the music?
It was great, once again, to collaborate with Richard Sherman.
We had the opportunity
to work with Walt Disney on some wonderful projects:
Winnie the Pooh.
Jungle Book.
Yeah. Mary Poppins.
So after all that, you know,
the opportunity to work on a book together, it was just--just a natural thing.
Like you said, you've worked on so many iconic films together, over so many years.
What has that been like
to just kind of been on this long journey together?
Oh, it's been fabulous.
I mean, keep in mind we had the opportunity to work--
not just to work at the Disney Studio, but to work with Walt Disney
and believe me, that's very, very special.
You guys have any funny memories or stories that you can tell us
about working with each other or working with Walt,
that kind of stand out to you?
Everything at the Walt Disney Studio is so joyful.
I mean, every project was fun.
Walt made it that way.
You know, that's the kind--
He was very different from most Hollywood Studios.
When you worked for Disney, you were not just another Hollywood Studio,
you were at Walt Disney Studios.
And I think our company projected the kind of optimism,
the kind of sincerity, and it just resonated with people,
not just in America, but around the world.
Richard what has it been like to write so many amazing songs for these films?
I feel very, very lucky
and very privileged to have had these wonderful assignments.
And naturally it brought out the best in me and my brother Bob
when we worked together so many years.
We had a great time doing it.
It was just-- I felt privileged to be working on these things.
Like Richard said, it's a privilege.
When I was tagged to work on the Jungle Book way back in 1966,
my initial reaction, I was terrified
'cause I knew I would be working with Walt Disney.
But you know, Walt made working with him such a joy.
And again, like Richard, I feel very, very lucky to have been a part of that team.
That's so awesome. I love that.
So obviously, over the years
you guys have seen some of the films that you've worked on,
the original animated versions become live action versions.
What has that been like for you to see that?
[laughs]
For me, I mean, I went to see the Jungle Book,
Jon Favreau's film, and I loved it.
I really did.
We did a version back in 1966, long time ago.
A classic film that people still tell me it's their favorite film.
But when I went to see Jon Favreau's film, his take on The Jungle Book,
I enjoyed it just as much.
So I have no problem
with these remakes or rethinking the Disney property.
What inspires you the most
when you are starting to work on a song or an animation for a film?
With me, truly, I think it's the story, it's the characters, it's the situation,
that's the inspiration.
And if you have a really good story, a very challenging inspiration,
you're just going.
I mean, it's just, bang, you're just sort of extending that.
And I've had such a great experience doing the Disney projects
because they all were so special.
How about for you?
Well, for me, it was always the challenge of a new project, you know.
No matter how many films you work on at Disney,
when you start a new film, it's like starting from scratch.
It's like the first time, but that's a good thing
because that means your job never gets routine.
And so having this blank canvas,
I'm sure there is a lot of people who aspire to have careers
like you guys have had.
Do you have any advice for any young composers
or any young animators out there?
Never let anybody discourage you.
Keep punching away.
Keep trying because one day the right ear, the right eye,
will catch your work and bang, you start.
I think Walt Disney would also say, "Dream and dream big,
and then work hard."
If you do that, you'll have success.
I love that.
Well, you heard it right from these guys. They're incredible.
And we are so lucky to be sitting down with you guys and chatting with you.
Your new book is incredible
and we look forward to hearing more from you.
And you guys, make sure to check the book out.
We'll see you soon.