American animated music group created by Ross Bagdasarian Sr. (1919-1972, performing as David Seville) in 1958. The original Chipmunks — Alvin, Simon, and Theodore — debuted on the novelty recording "The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late)" (1958), which won three Grammy Awards. The recordings were created by recording vocals at half speed and playing them back at normal speed to produce the high-pitched effect.
Released numerous studio albums starting with Let's All Sing with the Chipmunks (1959). Bagdasarian Jr. continued the franchise after his father's death, including the 2007 live-action/CGI film Alvin and the Chipmunks (which launched a series of three sequels). The Chipmunks have won five Grammy Awards.
