Alvin, Simon, and Theodore are the three cute -- but mischievous -- little critters that thousands of children lovingly know as a singing trio called Alvin & the Chipmunks. These appealing characters were first brought to life in the '50s by singer and songwriter Ross Bagdasarian, who was writing songs and recording under the name David Seville. When his music career seemed to be floating in place, he came up with a plan and recorded a Christmas song using high-speed tracks to achieve a sound that he considered a good impersonation of what a cartoon chipmunk should sound like. When that first single sold millions of copies in less than two months, Bagdasarian knew he had found his perfect gimmick; one that would become a success that would outlast his lifetime. In 1961, Alvin & the Chipmunks was first transformed from simple singing voices into a full cartoon. On the show, Bagdasarian's alter ego David Seville, is a father-like character that serves as their frazzled keeper. Alvin is the leader of the pack, always scheming and getting the others into trouble. Round, cuddly Theodore is always in love -- with his food; he is also the shy type, who usually follows Alvin blindly. And then there is Simon, the smartest brother of the group. He has to use those brains to work out rescue plans quite often. The group has recorded several albums over the years, including Sing Along, The Chipmunks' Greatest Christmas Hits, Here's Looking at Me!, and Alvin's Daydreams. In 1972 their creator, Bagdasarian, died, but Alvin & the Chipmunks have gone on, their fame continuing to grow with reruns of the cartoons and numerous other albums recorded for the pleasure of children -- children who grew up and then bought new albums for their own children to enjoy. ~ Charlotte Dillon, All Music Guide