Friday, March 25, 2011

Alvin And the chipmunks Facts

Which songwriter created the Chipmunks?
Ross Bagdasarian. One of Bagdasarian's early works, 'Come on-a My House', and was a hit for Rosemary Clooney in 1951. He also had a small acting career, playing minor roles in about a dozen movies. He was the frustrated songwriter in Alfred Hitchcock's 'Rear Window'. (1954)

Who provided the Chipmunks' voices until 1972?
Ross Bagdasarian. Bagdasarian would sing the Chipmunks' lyrics into a tape recorder at half the normal speed. The tape would then be played back at twice the normal speed, creating the high-pitched voices. When Bagdasarian died in 1972, his son and daughter-in-law began to provide the voices for the Chipmunks.

In a way, this is the Chipmunk's first single, even though they received no credit for it until two years after it was released. Their voices are heard singing the chorus. What song is it?
The Witch Doctor. Bagdasarian recorded 'The Witch Doctor' under his stage name, David Seville. The song reached #1 on the popular music charts in April 1958. Ross used his sped-up 'chipmunk' voice to sing the song's chorus. The Chipmunks received no credit at first, because they had not been created yet. They were finally credited in a 1960 version of 'The Witch Doctor.'

What year were the Chipmunks officially created?
1958. After his surprise hit in April 1958, Bagdasarian began recording new songs as 'David Seville and the Chipmunks.' It wasn't long before the new 'band' had a successful single. 'The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late)' reached #1 on the charts in December of 1958 and stayed there for 4 weeks.

Who are the Chipmunks (Alvin, Simon, and Theodore) named after?
The executives of their original record label.. Alvin Bennett, Simon Waronker, and Theodore Keep were the chief executives of Liberty Records at that time.

What relationship do the Chipmunks have?
Brothers. Simon is the oldest, Alvin is the middle child, and Theodore is the youngest. David Seville is their human father/songwriter/manager.

How many songs recorded by the Chipmunks reached the Billboard top ten, not counting 'The Witch Doctor?'
3. 'The Chipmunk Song'(1958) was #1, 'Alvin For President' and 'Alvin's Harmonica'(1959) reached #3.

According to 'The Chipmunk Song' (1958), what does Alvin want for Christmas?
A hula hoop. The hula hoop was introduced that year, and was a huge fad.

Which Chipmunk wears glasses?
Simon. Simon is the smart one. Alvin is the troublemaking leader, and Theodore is the sweet, innocent one.

In the TV show 'Alvin and the Chipmunks' (1983-1990) we learn a little about the brothers' backstory. According to the show, what was the name of the Chipmunks' real mother?
Vinny. Vinny left her three sons on Dave Seville's doorstep after a particularly harsh winter forces the forest animals out of their homes. She was reunited with her family in the 1985 Christmas special episode 'A Chipmunk Reunion.' The Chipmunk's first TV program, 'The Alvin Show' (1961), only lasted one season.

The 'Alvin and the Chipmunks' show also introduced the Chipettes, the female counterparts to the Chipmunks. What were the names of the Chipettes?
Brittany, Jeanette, Eleanor. The Chipettes have personalities similar to those of the Chipmunks. Jeanette is the brainy oldest, Brittany is the bossy middle sister, and Eleanor is the caring youngest. The Chipettes also have musical talent, like the brothers. Brittany, Jeanette, and Eleanor live with a human guardian, Miss Miller.

What color shirt does Theodore wear?
Green. Alvin wears red, Simon wears blue, and Theodore wears green.

Which of the following songs was never covered by the Chipmunks?
'Walk This Way' - Aerosmith. 'Addicted to Love' was covered on their TV show. 'Beat It' and 'Achy Breaky Heart' were released as singles.

Alvin, Simon, and Theodore's first full-length movie, 'The Chipmink Adventure', premiered in 1987. What were the brothers attempting to do in this film?
Beat the Chipettes in a race around the world.. While Dave is away on business, the Chipmunks bet the Chipettes that they would win a race around the world. Two wealthy siblings overhear the conversation and offer to finance the race, providing each team with a hot air balloon to travel in. What the kids don't know is that their benefactors are criminals, who are using them to smuggle diamonds across the globe.

In 2007, the Chipmunks starred in the live action/cgi movie 'Alvin and the Chipmunks.' Jason Lee starred as David Seville. Which of these performers did not lend his voice to a Chipmunk?
Justin Timberlake. Justin Long (Alvin) starred in 'Live Free or Die Hard', as well as Apple's 'Get a Mac' computer commercials. Matthew Gray Gubler (Simon) had a small role in 'The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou', and Jesse McCartney (Theodore) is the popular singer of 'Beautiful Soul.'

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