Question about It's A Small World

[salemfan]

Does Disney own the copyrights to the song, "It's A Small World?" Did the song originate with Disney?

 

[BEAR]

No, the Wonderland Music Company owns the copyrights. The song was written by Richard and Robert Sherman, who also wrote the songs for numerous Disney films including Mary Poppins, The Parent Trap, The Jungle Book and Winnie the Pooh. Hope this helps you.

 

[Vic Romano]

Wow, I didn't know that either. Thanks, Bry!

 

[BEAR]

Yeah. Though it is a Disney song, I don't think that it's the Disney Company that gives permission to use the song. A few years ago, I was in a new musical production which celebrated the music of the late Louis Prima. In our show was the song "I Wanna Be Like You" from the Jungle Book. It is my understanding that the Sherman's were the ones to get permission from to use the song. I assume this is the same for "Small World" or any other song written by them and under copyright with the Wonderland Music Company.

 

[Tim]

Did you know the Shermans wanted to donate their profits from the song to UNICEF (since it was their pavilion at the '64-'65 World's Fair the attraction was originally crated for) and Walt wouldn't let them? He told them "No-UNICEF is going to make plenty of money because of this attraction and exposure at the Fair. You keep your profits because that song is going to make you rich."

He was right.