Kraft Debuts Ad Featuring 'Golden Voice' of Ted Williams

By Zach Dionne Posted Jan 7th 2011 01:56PM

Kraft Debuts Ad Featuring 'Golden Voice' of Recently Homeless Ted Williams

Ted Williams, the homeless, humble YouTube discovery with a magnificent radio voice, has had the week of a lifetime. Capping it off is his quickly assembled advertisement for Kraft -- just Thursday morning, Williams told Matt Lauer on the 'Today' show he was heading to Kraft later that day to record some voice work.

Now that ad, for Kraft Homestyle Macaroni and Cheese, is here. Williams' voice concludes the clip, singing the praises of the Kraft's "cheesy noodles topped with golden brown breadcrumbs -- you know you love it." See the video:

Lynne Galia, a Kraft spokeswoman, told the Chicago Tribune the company saw the YouTube clip like the rest of the world and moved to work with Williams for four commercials. "We were moved by his story and his amazing voice," Galia said, adding that Williams' voice is "perfectly suited" for the ad campaign. "We were in the middle of making our TV spots and in a unique position to help Ted use his great voice and also provide him employment."

Williams, 53, said on the 'Today' show it 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.

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.

►Ted Williams Reunites With Mother, But Not Before Morning Show Drama

Tags: Kraft, Ted Williams

Comments

(43)

Friday 07 January

By Alexa

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We want to wish Ted all the best. He went through the fire and now God has given him a second chance. Ted, know that we will be praying for you hoping you make it through. There will be a lot of temptations, but if you stay by the side of God, you will prevail.

By myammer

The man is gifted, good for him and BEST of luck
...that being said I think he's a great candidate to find a way to screw up his opportunity.
Hang in there Ted...be dependable!

By spr686

Lowest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

Everyone is saying good luck and God blessed him and I hope he does well. Will they be saying the same when he kills someone

By g

@spr686....are you retarded or just stupid?!!!

GOOD LUCK TO YOU TED WILLIAMS:)

By Mark

spr868...you are an idiot!

Monday 10 January

By Sgore

High Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

I think you might be reading the wrong story sir.

By Ted Bundy

No they will pity him and hire him a lawyer from the ACLU.

By Christina

You are ridiculous! This is a person that has turned their life around. Rags to Riches story. Why would you post something like that?! There are many others things I would like to say to you but will keep it clean... A-HOLE!

By ataylormark

maybe you?

By linda

someone always has to say or find something ugly to say. can't you just see the good in him? who are you mad at , yourself or someone? hope you are never homeless jerk!!!!

By mark

My vote about spr686.... just stupid, and mean.

By Cindy

Like attention much? Most idiots do!

By Mary

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I find it interesting the most negative people are ones without a blief in God and humanity. Kudos to the soul whom was inspired to listen to his God and take the first step to reach out to Ted. We all fall short of our path in life, when we stop beieving in the power to help and heal eachother, we have lost what it means to be a humanbeing. My deepest love to Ted and his new journey!

By MadeleineT

Why do you think he will kill someone? because he is homeless doesn't make him a murderer.Most people who kill are not homeless, they usually know the person, I can now see why that is.

By Prenita Garner

That was not a nice thing to say..

By Bunny Ventura

The best of luck to you, Ted. The USA is counting on you to be a huge success. You can do it.

Thanks, but I don't even know you...

By Rodney

I hope Ted has someone trustworthy to look over the contracts he will be signing. Someone will make a lot of money off him, but I'm afraid it wont be Ted. Good luck Ted.

By dmanlat

Unemployment just went from 2,337,248 to 2,337,247; will probably be counted under bailout numbers.

By suitman36

just don't lose your head like the other ted williams did!!!

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