Died On This Date (January 16, 1972) Ross Bagdasarian Sr. (David Seville) / The Chipmunks
themusicsover Ross Bagdasarian Sr.
January 27, 1919 – January 16, 1972
Ross Bagdasarian was perhaps better known by his alter ego, David Seville of Alvin & the Chipmunks fame. Bagdasarian was an accomplished actor, songwriter, singer, musician and producer who appeared in such films as Rear Window and Stalag 17. During the mid-’50s, he began releasing novelty records like “The Trouble With Harry,” and the #1 hit, “Witch Doctor,” under the name of David Seville. In 1958, he/Seville released “The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late)” which became a smash hit and earned him two Grammys. The success of the record spawned several more Chipmunk releases, an animated television show and movies. On January 16, 1972, Ross Bagdasarian, Sr. suffered a fatal heart attack. He was 52 years old. A decade later, his son, Ross Bagdasarian Jr., picked up where his father left off, re-introducing the Chipmunks to new generations.
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