Ross S. Bagdasarian, known professionally as David Seville, was an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and actor born on January 27, 1919, in Fresno, California, to an Armenian-American family. He is best known for creating the iconic cartoon band Alvin and the Chipmunks. Bagdasarian's early career involved acting, including minor roles in films like Alfred Hitchcock's "Rear Window" (1954). His breakthrough in music came with the novelty hit "Witch Doctor" in 1958, where he first used the technique of speeding up audio playback to create a distinctive high-pitched sound. This innovation led to the creation of "The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late)," which became a cultural phenomenon and won three Grammy Awards.

Bagdasarian's first major songwriting success was "Come On-a My House," co-written with his cousin William Saroyan, which became a hit for Rosemary Clooney. He also appeared in several films and provided the voice for the David Seville character in the 1961 animated television series "The Alvin Show." Bagdasarian passed away on January 16, 1972, at the age of 52. His legacy continues through the enduring popularity of The Chipmunks, with his son, Ross Bagdasarian Jr., taking over the franchise.