Alvin and the Chipmunks is an animated music group created by Ross Bagdasarian, Sr. for a novelty record in 1958. The group consists of three chipmunks: Alvin, the star of the group, Simon, and Theodore. In the story, the band is managed by their human adoptive father, David Seville. "David Seville" was Bagdasarian's stage name, and the Chipmunks themselves are named after the executives of their original record label. The characters became a success, and the singing Chipmunks and their manager were featured in animated cartoon productions.