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Ross Bagdasarian
American singer-songwriter, record producer, and actor (1919-1972) / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
For his son, see Ross Bagdasarian Jr.
Ross S. Bagdasarian[lower-alpha 1] (/bæɡdəˈsɛriən/; January 27, 1919 – January 16, 1972), known professionally by his stage name David "Dave" Seville,[3] 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.
Quick Facts Born, Died ...
Ross S. Bagdasarian Sr. | |
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Born | (1919-01-27)January 27, 1919 Fresno, California, U.S. |
Died | January 16, 1972(1972-01-16) (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[1] |
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) |
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