Ross Bagdasarian
Ross S. Bagdasarian Sr. | |
|---|---|
| Born | January 27, 1919 Fresno, California, U.S. |
| Died | January 16, 1972 (aged 52) |
| Resting place | Chapel of the Pines Crematory |
| Other names | David Seville (stage name) |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 1939–1972 |
| Notable work | Alvin and the Chipmunks |
| Style | Novelty music |
| Television | The Alvin Show (1961–62) |
| Spouse |
Armenouhi "Armen" Kulhanjian
(m. 1946) |
| Children | 3, including Ross Jr. |
| Relatives | William Saroyan (cousin) Janice Karman (daughter-in-law) |
Ross S. Bagdasarian (/bæɡdəˈsɛəriən/; January 27, 1919 – January 16, 1972), known professionally by his stage name David "Dave" Seville, was an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and actor best known for creating the cartoon band Alvin and the Chipmunks. Initially a stage and film actor, he rose to prominence in 1958 with the songs "Witch Doctor" and "The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late)", which both became Billboard number-one singles. He produced and directed The Alvin Show, which aired on CBS in 1961–62.