The Chipmunks (Alvin, Simon, and Theodore) were created by Ross Bagdasarian (a.k.a. David Seville) in the 1950s and became popular with novelty recordings such as The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late). Once established as recording stars, the trio appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show as puppet figures. The puppets were built by Bob Clampett, an early influence on Jim Henson.
The Chipmunks later appeared as animated characters on television, first with The Alvin Show in the 1960s, and then again in the 1980s. In 1990, they appeared with Baby Kermit, Baby Piggy, and Baby Gonzo in the television special Cartoon All-Stars to the Rescue.
References
- In Traveling Matt's postcard from "Scared Silly," Traveling Matt finds himself in the bedroom of two young boys who have a poster of Chipmunk Rock on their wall.
Muppet Mentions
- On the Chipmunks in Low Places album, before the track "Stand by Your Man," Brittany accuses Alvin of winking at Miss Piggy.
Connections
- Frank Welker has voiced various characters in many animated Chipmunks productions.
- Patrick Pinney provided additional voices in The Chipmunk Adventure (1987).
- Waylon Jennings appeared on the album Chipmunks in Low Places (1992).
- Rob Paulsen played a director in Alvin and the Chipmunks meet the Wolfman (2000).
- Christina Applegate performed the voice of Brittany in The Squeakquel (2008) and Chipwrecked (2011)
- Anna Faris performed the voice of Jeanette in The Squeakquel (2008) and Chipwrecked (2011)
- Amy Poehler performed the voice of Eleanor in The Squeakquel (2008) and Chipwrecked (2011)