Media

Homeless Man‘s Voice Kicks Off ’Today’ Show

America is fascinated with the story of Ted Williams, the homeless man with the amazing radio voice. So too is NBC. Williams took over as the announcer this morning on the “Today” show. Needless to say, he nailed it:

“If you need proof that life in this country can change overnight, look no further than Ted Williams,” host Matt Lauer said during the show’s opening. Later in the day, Lauer and co-host Meredith Vieira interviewed Williams on his incredible story:

Comments (96)

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  • Sister_Mary
    Posted on January 6, 2011 at 1:32pm

    and ZERO from Government !!!!!! Who helped him ????? THE PEOPLE !!!!!

    Report Post » Sister_Mary  
  • urrybr
    Posted on January 6, 2011 at 1:18pm

    Let’s not be like the Libs. Let‘s all just be thankful for the man’s serendipitous success, and the fact that the American dream is alive and well . . . no matter who the benefactor is.

    Report Post » urrybr  
  • Bryan
    Posted on January 6, 2011 at 1:17pm

    I’ve got to say watching that was tough on the old heart. If this guy can stay clean he’ll be okay, and for his children’s sake, I hope he does. After what he has been through the past two days, I would be needing some kind of pill to calm me down. Out of all the people I’ve tried to help in the past, I only had one that really took advantage of what he was given, but seeing that was enough to make up for the rest that didn’t. “I must respect a man I do not know, for he hasn’t proven me wrong yet.”

    Report Post »  
  • DoremusRJessup44
    Posted on January 6, 2011 at 1:15pm

    I‘m not saying I’m not happy for the guy but this is a ploy. Or, a seed if you will. You watch they will say “Look at Michael Vic and that homeless guy that got the voice job. They got second chances.”

    MASSIVE PRISONER RELEASE PROGRAMS ARE COMING

    Report Post »  
  • DoremusRJessup44
    Posted on January 6, 2011 at 1:14pm

    The Last Word. It’s called Rewrite. Basically it’s saying the Judicial System is too harsh and yep, RACIST.
    http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/40937921#40937921

    You watch, MASSIVE PRISONER RELEASE PROGRAMS

    Report Post »  
  • Dale
    Posted on January 6, 2011 at 1:09pm

    A testament to repentance (changed heart).

    Report Post » Dale  
  • GdHUs
    Posted on January 6, 2011 at 1:08pm

    How well he succeeds depends on how strong his grip on God is. I’ve always believed that too much money or good looks ( in his case one out of two aint bad) are spiritual liabilities because they will inundate your life with temptations that will eventually cause you to succumb to whatever demons are nipping at your heals. If Williams can maintain that spirit of thankfulness to God and humility he may have a chance.

    Report Post » GdHUs  
  • DoremusRJessup44
    Posted on January 6, 2011 at 1:04pm

    Okay folks, I hate to be a downer but did you hear a key phrase there? “It’s good to see someone get a second chance.” That’s three times in two weeks. Obama called the Philidelphia Eagles coach and told him “Thanks for giving a con a second chance.” Last night on MSNBC they did a segment on Presidential Pardons and how Presidents need to pardon more people.

    LOOK FOR IT. They are going to push for MASSIVE PRISONER RELEASE.

    Report Post »  
  • hollowpoint
    Posted on January 6, 2011 at 1:02pm

    I TOTALLY LOVE THIS STORY!!! Besides his amazing voice, I watch him and sometimes I see this little boy who just got a new bike for Christmas!!! He has warmed my heart and brought tears to my eyes. I am going to pray for him that his new found fame isn’t so overwhelming that he becomes weak even once regarding the drugs and booze. The world is truly witnessing a blessing from the Lord upon one of our bretheren. God be with you Mr. Williams. Hooray for miracles!!!

    Report Post » hollowpoint  
  • microace
    Posted on January 6, 2011 at 12:54pm

    You mean someone can lift themselves out of poverty and homelessness withouth Government assistance….this can’t be true.

    Report Post »  
  • timej31
    Posted on January 6, 2011 at 12:52pm

    Did Matt Lauer on NBC say Ted has a God given gift? Well what I have to say about this is if you need proof that life in this country can change overnight, look no further than Matt Lauer and NBC to agree about the source of Ted’s gift. Very nice!!!!

    Report Post » timej31  
  • jeffdubya
    Posted on January 6, 2011 at 12:51pm

    He admits in the interview he committed theft and fraud. Will he be compelled to make his victims whole?

    Report Post » jeffdubya  
  • mickie4
    Posted on January 6, 2011 at 12:45pm

    OMG, he’s already looking for a pill for his nerves!
    I do wish him well but fear he doesn’t have the character to suceed.

    Report Post »  
  • DJR
    Posted on January 6, 2011 at 12:33pm

    Great story, he cleans up pretty good too. He should do the opening for the nightly news. Much better voice than Mike Douglas.

    Report Post »  
  • EqualJustice
    Posted on January 6, 2011 at 12:30pm

    I LOVE this story. :)

    Report Post » EqualJustice  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on January 6, 2011 at 12:16pm

    I’m sure there is a good reason this guy was homeless. The people handing him money a job and a house will soon figure that reason out.

    Report Post » Gonzo  
    • jeffdubya
      Posted on January 6, 2011 at 12:50pm

      I hope you’re wrong, but believe you are correct.

      Report Post » jeffdubya  
    • JayCee
      Posted on January 6, 2011 at 2:10pm

      He told you the reason. Recognizing and admitting the reason as he does is a huge first step in recovery.

      Report Post »  
    • Plankchapel
      Posted on January 6, 2011 at 7:06pm

      @JAYCEE
      Right! And, it’s been two years since he messed up.

      God gave him two miracles– his voice and his sobriety. Ask anyone in an AA meeting!

      Report Post »  
    • trueblueday
      Posted on January 6, 2011 at 10:46pm

      Local news today claimed he robbed a local market as little as two/three weeks ago. BUT, it was for food. Theft in any form is wrong, but for want of food I could almost understand that. I wish him the best and hope the walls don’t come caving in on him. The stress has got to be unbelievable at this point. Hearing his ex on TV today, she sounds supportive (and said she and her spouse prayed for him just this past Sunday in church) , but where were they through all of this – especially since he had been sober for a couple of years? Oh well, these are things we will probably never know. He’s got to maintain his sobriety/stay away from the drugs, or he‘ll be back to the same hell hole he’s been living in for the past decade. Good luck, Ted

      Report Post »  
  • Psychosis
    Posted on January 6, 2011 at 12:16pm

    lets hope that the fame and money wont make him return to drugs , as it does to so many

    keep it straight brother , and push onward

    Report Post » Psychosis  
  • RabidPatriot
    Posted on January 6, 2011 at 12:14pm

    Great voice and hit 521 home runs. ;)

    Report Post » RabidPatriot  
  • rbqueen
    Posted on January 6, 2011 at 12:14pm

    I tend to be overly critical about what people say about how they are trying to pick themselves up and improve themselves because I’ve seen too many people talk the talk but not walk the walk. To me this guy definitely appears sincere about picking himself up and I really believe that he can do it. He appears to me to be the “Golden Voice with the Golden Heart”.

    Report Post »  
  • BurntHills
    Posted on January 6, 2011 at 12:08pm

    God bless him, he learned thru hardship that America and OUR GOD is Great! and his THANK YOU JESUS!

    Report Post » BurntHills  
  • tbtall
    Posted on January 6, 2011 at 12:07pm

    This is the free market in action, not some govmt program. YEAH!!

    Report Post »  
  • CatB
    Posted on January 6, 2011 at 12:07pm

    I wish him luck .. but he seemed to be making excuses for his past drug use .. anyone who hires him should be prepared for problems in the future … I do hope that he appreciates this second chance and doesn’t blow it.

    Report Post »  
    • Frank Newell
      Posted on January 6, 2011 at 12:30pm

      you may have misheard him he made no excuse for the drug use. he was howerver kind of evasive on the robbery charges. without knowing the actual cicumstances but it is common knowledge that the addicted will steal to promote their habit. As a homeless person panhandling with an addiction he could only steal or defraud to keep up his habit. The point you are missing is that he is clean for 2 years and caught a lucky break. We should be taking the time to appreciate this story and pray that he has the proper support to make use of the second chance.

      Report Post » Frank Newell  
    • untameable-kate
      Posted on January 6, 2011 at 12:38pm

      CatB, I don’t agree with you on this one. I don’t feel like he was making excuses, just telling his story. He talked about being on drugs and doing crime to get drugs but I never heard him try to make excuses, he took responsibility for his actions. I would hire him in a heartbeat without reservations.

      Report Post » Untameable-kate  
    • CatB
      Posted on January 6, 2011 at 12:46pm

      Sorry but I have worked with Community Mental Health in the past and have seen this over and over … while I do hope and pray that he takes this chance and does well .. the odds are that he will not. Just the facts … not that exceptions don’t happen but I have seen this before many times.

      Report Post »  
    • untameable-kate
      Posted on January 6, 2011 at 1:29pm

      I would imagine working in mental health services would make you cynical and if the guy was saying ‘it’s not my fault’ I would agree with you 100%.

      Report Post » Untameable-kate  
    • JayCee
      Posted on January 6, 2011 at 1:55pm

      I didn’t hear the excuses. I heard an articulate description of his long time alcohol problem followed by cocaine addiction leading to his rock bottom. He said he has been sober for awhile and turned his life over to his higher power. He expresses gratitude. He gets it. I just hope he is not overwhelmed by this fame and good fortune and remembers to live “one day at a time”.
      There are many others in recovery that don’t have his advantage. I pray for them.

      Report Post »  
    • CaliforniaConservative
      Posted on January 6, 2011 at 9:32pm

      It’s not going to be easy for him. I hope and pray he makes it this time, but he has a pretty bad history of messing up. His rap sheet is pretty long, and the tempations to slip back will be great. I hope he has a good support group that will stay with him and help him every day. One day at a time!

      Report Post »  
  • OriMai
    Posted on January 6, 2011 at 12:06pm

    Great story :)

    Report Post »  
    • TRUTHSEEKINGAL
      Posted on January 7, 2011 at 11:45pm

      @ Gonzo, Although I am replying hours after your comments, I must say I fervently agree with you. Mr. Williams is akin to any instant success, whether it be a child star, or one hit wonder. He sired what 9 or 11 children over his lifetime and as you pointed out it’s doubtful that he was a responsible parent and it sounds like he is still alienated from his mother. I have no problem with 2nd chances.I too have fallen many times through my life. But let us remember what William was doing when he was discovered,panhandling. It’s what he knows best. In essence he was rewarded for begging. Also I noticed his demeaner while on the “today show”. His legs where in perpetual motion, as a nurse I couldn’t help but notice these behaviors. These are symptoms of amphetamines or cocaine use. I hope I am wrong and we all love and need a story of redemption from time to time,but I doubt from real personal experience that this “rags to riches ”story will have a long life Besides NBC is pimping this human being for ratings .Yes I said it & that’s all..

      Report Post » TRUTHSEEKINGAL  
  • grandmaof5
    Posted on January 6, 2011 at 12:06pm

    How ironic that the American dream is being recognized, not on FOX, the station that promotes American dreams with the capitalist system, but on NBC, the station that thinks everyone’s wealth needs to be redistributed to those in need. I wonder if Matt Lauer is sharing his salary with Ted in an act of good faith?

    Report Post »  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on January 6, 2011 at 12:24pm

      Having things handed to you out of pitty is not the American dream. When things are handed to you for nothing they are meaningless. Things are only valuable to you when you earn them with your own sweat. The only thing this guy has earned is a life on the streets and he’ll be dead or back out there pretty quick. I hate to burst everyone’s warm fuzzy bubble.

      Report Post » Gonzo  
    • snowleopard3200 {cat folk art}
      Posted on January 6, 2011 at 12:31pm

      @Gonzo

      Been there where this guy has been; as have many people I have known who have lost everything and when given a chance, begun to make things of themselves again. It can happen.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • 8jrts
      Posted on January 6, 2011 at 12:53pm

      Everyone deserves a second chance and God Bless those who are willing to help give one. It’s what is done with that chance that counts.
      NBC is probably looking at this guy as a future “evil greedy rich person” who’s wealth can be confiscated and redistributed.

      Report Post » 8jrts  
    • iamhungry
      Posted on January 6, 2011 at 1:05pm

      Equally ironic how much of the reason he has found recent success is due to reddit.com, a community site that is heavily pro-Obama.

      Report Post »  
    • mtnclimberjim
      Posted on January 6, 2011 at 1:33pm

      Gonzo,

      Hey pal, if anyone deserves the job it’s that guy. I know you’ll say there are a thousand people who are more qualified. No there is not, or they would have got the job. It‘s not just the talent it’s the story, it’s the personality and real life experiences that have made this man. This is how it’s supposed to happen. Yes, he will now be held accountable and given free will to take this as far as he wants. amen and yahoo

      Report Post » mtnclimberjim  
    • firstHat
      Posted on January 6, 2011 at 1:46pm

      @Gonzo Part of the American Dream is that we look after each other on an individual basis so that government does not need to give handouts. Remember the barn raising if nothing else. That was as American as apple pie and baseball

      Report Post »  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on January 6, 2011 at 2:01pm

      mtnclimberjim
      He got the Job so the Cavaliers could look magnanimous to their fan base and hopefuly put buts in the seats. I won’t argue the fact he deserves the job, we both know he doesn’t. People that work hard for that kind of position are the ones who deserve it. Give him a job sweeping the stands after the game. If he shows up day in and day out, let him sell popcorn and so on. Let him earn it or he will he won’t keep it. I hope the guy does OK but, by years end we’ll hear “the rest of the story” and it won’t be good.

      Report Post » Gonzo  
    • grandmaof5
      Posted on January 6, 2011 at 2:36pm

      Gonzo, how sad to be that pessimistic. If you expect to get the worst out of people that’s generally what you get, and vice-versa. Maybe what you say will end up being true but he did earn the job with his voice. When a singer gets a break that’s exactly what it is, a break; it doesn’t mean they will be an instant success, just that they have the opportunity to work hard and make something happen. When Marilyn Monroe was discovered she had done nothing to earn her fame, she made it happen with the talents she had (and she did posess at least two talents). I hope you find great success in your endeavors and add a bit of optimism to your life – we all need some of that.

      Report Post »  
    • Plankchapel
      Posted on January 6, 2011 at 6:37pm

      @GONZO
      @GONZO
      @GONZO

      He got the job because somebody saw him and recognized the obvious: God had, indeed, given him a gift. And I don’t begrudge him one bit–the man has been living a clean, sober, and drug-free life for two years.

      Give him the credit he deserves, how about it?!

      Report Post »  
  • FED-UP-AND-READY-TO-TAKE-ACTION
    Posted on January 6, 2011 at 12:02pm

    Good to him land on his feet.

    Report Post » FED-UP-AND-READY-TO-TAKE-ACTION  
    • Cobra Blue
      Posted on January 6, 2011 at 12:10pm

      Congrats to this guy for his new found career. Good see someone succeed against all odds. I hope he makes a million dollars and then some. As far as the “TODAY SHOW” is concerned, I guess when your ratings are in the tank you will try anything to stop the bleeding.

      Report Post »  
    • AngryMobOfOne
      Posted on January 6, 2011 at 12:31pm

      How can an NBC program support personal achievement through WORK? Shouldn’t the guy being helping the economy by filing for unemployment?

      Report Post »  
    • pajamash
      Posted on January 6, 2011 at 1:17pm

      Let us not forget that for every one Ted Williams rags to riches, there are thousands who are not so lucky. Do not rely on the government to give assistance. Find a way to give hope to all the other homeless.

      Report Post »  
    • Oil_Robb
      Posted on January 6, 2011 at 1:34pm

      Ted Williams?……I knew he was doing the CRYOGENICS thing BUT……If The Red Sox slugger knew he was going to look like that when they thawed him in the future i think he would have give his estate to PITA first

      Report Post »  
    • MsMonsoon
      Posted on January 6, 2011 at 3:03pm

      He says he has nine children. You can be sure he hasn’t been supporting those kids for a long time.

      How long will he last when his past due child support payments catche up with him? Sorry to say they’ll eat him alive!

      Report Post » MsMonsoon  
    • tinkertraci
      Posted on January 6, 2011 at 4:15pm

      It’s a heartwarming story – except for the part where NONE of his 9 adult children helped him. Where they heck have they been?

      Report Post »  
    • MsMonsoon
      Posted on January 6, 2011 at 5:37pm

      Tink: His children are probably asking, “Where was he?” Do you really think while they were growing up he was behaving like a father to them?

      Did you ever have an irresponsible alcoholic in your family?

      Report Post » MsMonsoon  
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