Ted Williams Thanks God for Not Taking His Voice

By Marc Schneider Posted Jan 6th 2011 09:16AM

Ted Williams almost didn't make it to the 'Today' show on Thursday. The most famous man in America over the last few days (sorry, Speaker Boehner) nearly couldn't get on a plane from Columbus, Ohio, because he no longer has a photo ID. But he made it. The "Homeless Man With the Golden Voice" returned to his native New York City to sit down with Matt Lauer and Meredith Vieira to share his harrowing journey from successful radio man to drug addict to his remarkable comeback following a video interview this week with a local newspaper that has swiftly changed his life.

Williams, 53, said this was his first trip to New York, where he grew up in Brooklyn, since 1986. He recalled taking his then-girlfriend to Times Square to watch the ball drop on New Year's Eve.

"I was doing fairly well then," he said. At the time, he was working in radio, but in 1993, drugs and alcohol took hold of his life. "I started snorting cocaine and then I started smoking it, crack and all that. Drinking ... has always been a part of my life."

Williams said he believed at the time that he was a "functional alcoholic" despite drinking about a whole bottle ("a fifth") each day. But in 1993, he lost his home and started living in homeless shelters.

He choked up when he spoke about his mother, who he hopes to reunite with while visiting New York. "I love my mom," he said. "I always used to pray to God, saying, 'Lord, please let my mom live to see another year. Maybe this will be a year that somebody would say, 'Hey man, you want a job?''

"And I always used to say, 'God, you never seemed fit to take my voice in spite of all the flames and everything that went down my throat.' The voice still maintained some type of resonance."

He actually missed his first opportunity to see his mom, Julia, when he arrived at the airport in NYC. She was there with a CBS 'Early Show' crew to document the likely-emotional reunion, but according to the report, "The moment was ruined when he was whisked away by another media outlet."

Williams became an online sensation just this week when the Columbus Dispatch posted a video of him demonstrating his voice-over skills by the side of the road. WATCH >>

The theme of faith continued throughout the interview, and when Lauer asked Williams whether he was "emotionally ready to ... do the right things with this second chance," he made it clear. "This time around, Matt, I have God," he said.

"The differences between my successes of years gone by, I didn't acknowledge the Lord or thank Him for anything before, you know. I had some great opportunities of emceeing various venues and having a great time with all the perks of radio, but I never once said 'O Lord thank you for this.'"

Williams also confirmed reports that he has had several run-ins with the law, including arrests for robbery, theft and forgery. "That was just to afford the drug habit," he humbly explained.

But since becoming a viral video star, things have quickly improved for him. Williams was contacted Wednesday by the NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers, who offered him a position that could include announcing work at their arena. Details are still being worked out, and Williams has not officially accepted.

"They said they were going to give me LeBron's house," he joked.

He also said that Kraft Foods has offered him some work doing voice-overs for their macaroni and cheese products.

The influx of income will certainly be a boon for his large family. Williams told 'Today' that he has nine adult children -- seven girls and two boys -- as well as grandchildren.

Tags: Ted Williams, today show

Comments

(21)

Thursday 06 January

By mw

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I hope he uses this chance to make his life better, his voice is amazing, what a gift he has been given. Best of everything to Ted.

By Doris

Acknowledge God in all you do Ted, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Great story. God Bless you,

By Bob

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I thought they were talking about the baseball player.

Pay no attention to the dating website spams that are sure to follow. They're no good.

By tony

i think he looks like obama on crack,but really,good luck ted.

By gwissss

What a heartwarming story.This man has truly been blessed with an amazing voice and I hope every single day gets better and more offers are presented to him. Mr Williams I sincerely wish you nothing but the best. God Bless and I think you would be great narrating NFL films.

By Melanie

Wow, What a blessing!!! This is an example of God's love... no matter where we are in life, even at our lowest, God is always good!! His Grace and Mercy are new each day, and there is nothing we can do to change God's love for us!! The power of God is awesome, and he never gives up on us!! Thank you Lord for touching this mans life!!

By Arlene J. Cauley

Dear Ted:

I am so very happy for you, I worked with your very special Mother Julia for a number of years at Flatbush Action Day Care Center, and I walked your life with her.

So take this very special moment in your life that is God given and make her Proud!

Keep God in your Life and you will never go wrong.

Be Blessed

Arlene J. Cauley

By Cora

What an amazing voice! I'm glad to see he got a second chance, and is doing what he can to make a better life for himself.

By dee

GOOD LUCK TED. the money will tempt you to buy drugs again, this will be a test for you. I pray to God he will keep you safe from drinking and drugs. my grandson is going through this now with drugs and he is 33 years old. He has been clean for a year now but goes to court and maybe prison this year. stay clean Ted in Jesus Name

By R

You can do it Ted! Stay focused and keep praying to God! I am praying for you! God Bless!

By D

I could listen to his voice all day! I'm really happy for this man. I hope he realizes what an amazing gift he has and that this was a true miracle that God has given him. Stories like this give me hope!

Friday 07 January

By Rose

I hope only the best for this man. He can make a new life for himself now. Good people should surround him.

By JustMyPOV

It's good to see Ted is being flooded with offers, including a job with the Cavaliers. I just hope we don't have to suffer through another hour-long TV special to hear where he's "taking my talents".

By Jay

Keep God in your life, Mr. Williams, and praise him for providing you with another opportunity to earn a living and set a proper example to your family. God DOES work miracles!

By T.Bone

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Whoo Whee!!! The Favor Of God!!! Gotta Love It!!!

By Cindy

Ted, when I heard your story I praised our God. I am so very happy that you know in your heart where this second chance came from. God has a plan for everyone and yes, the newfound fame/money and everything that goes along with it will be a temptation. Stay strong and always remember how bad, bad was and don't ever go down that path again. What a testimony you have, and chance to good and help others who are in the hell you once lived. God bless you, dear man. I will keep you in my prayers........Give your dear momma a hug for me,

By janie luevano

god has seen it in his power to bless this man,god is great
and he can do whatever he chooses to, praise god almightly

By princess2444

May continue to bless him. Amazing voice!

By Esteban

We need to thank the Lord everyday and appreciate the little things life has to offer. Ted Williams was put to the test in the lowest places as a homeless man after having it all..but his story relates to the Bible when the son returns to his father..God Bless this man...screw the drugs that destroyed people and many families. it is time to clean America of this evil..

By mary

It is all a joy a joy a joy. What a wonderful thing God has done to such a humble man Ted is like a kid looking for love. God bless you my friend you are a powerful tool for the father. Stand back and see the salvation of the Lord Jesus and acknowledge him in all that he does for you. You are beautiful and loved. Thank God for you and for your wonderful gift. Keep the faith my brother and pray for your self and for your own strenght and encourage yourself. Let no man decieve you and take to your self good people pray before you allow people in your life to help you. Be wise in all your decisions and taqke care of your self and your children. Be blessed my friend be blessed I am so very happy for you continue with strenght continue with humbleness and love. We love you Ted stay strong....

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