Homeless man with 'golden radio voice' gets his chance
- Thread starter MASTERBAKER
- Start date
he's already admitted that the reason he is homeless is because of drugs. And since drugs are illegal, why is it supposed to be shocking that he's been to jail?
If he stays clean, he deserves a second chance.
That express from Cleveland to New York only takes 8 hours. Moved a lot of weight on that route. He'll see her in the mornin.
nice.
I thought that for a split second I admit, but I want to hear him speak too. I think they really appreciate his story. Not all white folks are on that, and in fact the white kat that flimed and posted this vid made it happen for him. He has to have the greatest joy and satisfaction of everyone.
The internet is amazing, I so marvel at it often. You can take my TV away but not my connection to this amazing world. And lets not forget we saw it first on BGOL...love this place fam, now let me go splash some water on my face fo wifey comes in
His story of rise, fall, and rise again is incredible! This just goes to show that people of this world can try to bring us down on a daily basis, but GOD loves us and never gives up on us! He'll never put on us more than we can bear! I hope and pray he continues on the right track in life!
His story of rise, fall, and rise again is incredible! This just goes to show that people of this world can try to bring us down on a daily basis, but GOD loves us and never gives up on us! He'll never put on us more than we can bear! I hope and pray he continues on the right track in life!
Cut it out.
Dude's just a viral internet freak. No different from Antoine Dodson and others. Nothing was stopping him from using his "golden voice" to get a job all by himself. He didn't need white folks to save him.
My first thought. He looks closer to 51.
I thought that for a split second I admit, but I want to hear him speak too. I think they really appreciate his story. Not all white folks are on that, and in fact the white kat that flimed and posted this vid made it happen for him. He has to have the greatest joy and satisfaction of everyone.
The internet is amazing, I so marvel at it often. You can take my TV away but not my connection to this amazing world. And lets not forget we saw it first on BGOL...love this place fam, now let me go splash some water on my face fo wifey comes in
I did some googling and saw the videographer being interviewed. He mentioned that he had the recording of Ted Williams for weeks before he even posted. But he finally decided to do so on a slow news days.
He would've never guessed it would garner so much attention.
Mother of Ted Williams, the homeless man with a 'golden radio voice,' shocked by his rise to fame
BY Kerry Burke and James Fanelli
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITERS
Thursday, January 6th 2011, 4:00 AM
Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local...w_lease_on_life_as_net_sta.html#ixzz1AGnuaFsd
A Brooklyn-born panhandler whose "golden radio voice" made him an overnight Web sensation is ready for a triumphant return to the city and reunion with his 92-year-old mother.
Just two days ago, Ted Williams, 53, was a homeless recovering alcoholic, cadging coins from motorists in Columbus, Ohio, by treating them to sound bites of his buttery, baritone voice.
Then a local newspaper video of the one-time radio announcer's striking talent went viral, bringing a whirlwind of media attention and a pile of voice-over opportunities, including one to work for the Cleveland Cavaliers.
In between sifting through job offers on Wednesday, a tearful Williams told CBS' "The Early Show" the best gift of his newfound fame was the chance to visit his mom, whom he hadn't seen in at least a decade.
"I apologize. I'm getting a little emotional. I haven't seen my mom in a great deal of time," said Williams, who was coming to the city to do an interview on the "Today" show on Thursday morning.
"One of my biggest prayers that I sent out was that she would live long enough for me to see me rebound or whatever, and I guess God kept her around and kept my pipes around to maybe just have one more shot," he said.
Williams' sudden fame also surprised his mother, Julia Williams. His ex-wife, Patricia Kirtley, told the Daily News she called his mom - who still lives in the East Flatbush apartment where she raised her kids - to explain her son's stunning reversal of fortune.
"She didn't believe it until I called her. She is so overwhelmed," said Kirtley, 58, who had five children with Williams. "I think she does not want him to mess it up. She said this is an opportunity and a second chance."
Julia Williams told WCBS Channel 2 News drugs "destroyed my whole family." When she sees her son, she has a simple message for him: "Please get God in your life and what's right."
Their reunion was delayed after Williams was turned away from a flight because he lacked proper identification, according to TMZ.
Kirtley met Williams when he was 18 - and even then he had dreams of becoming a radio personality.
"I was about to melt," she said of first hearing his voice. "He does have a God-given gift. He was always the entertainer. He always played music. He was like the deejay."
Kirtley said Williams had a promising radio career in the 1980s - first as an overnight deejay in Johnstown, Ohio, and later on a morning show in Columbus, where he nicknamed himself Teddy Bear.
Aside from his radio gigs, Williams would act as an emcee for entertainers who came through Columbus. Kirtley said her ex didn't handle fame well and got caught up with women, booze and drugs.
"He started messing up," she said. "He had a lot of groupies. I think it was a whole lot for him to try and handle that. A lot of things were going wrong in his life."
Williams' career and marriage collapsed. His addiction led to a string of arrests for forgery and theft, records show.
That all turned around when a reporter for the Columbus Dispatch found Williams begging for money with a sign saying he had a "God-given gift of a great voice." In the video, he does pitch-perfect station identifications.
Williams told the "Early Show" he hoped someone might spot his talents, but he never expected the outpouring of job offers and media attention.
"It's like almost winning the Mega Ball lottery or something. It's just phenomenal."
With Christian Red and Edgar Sandoval
jfanelli@nydailynews.com
Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local...w_lease_on_life_as_net_sta.html#ixzz1AGnQX6D3
This is really good, hope he stays clean.. i wish him & his the best
Clever.
It was very clever.
Cut it out.
Dude's just a viral internet freak. No different from Antoine Dodson and others. Nothing was stopping him from using his "golden voice" to get a job all by himself. He didn't need white folks to save him.
this dude is trained and has a marketable skill.
dodson has the same traits as you...
This dude like "What about ME?"
Behind golden-voiced Ted Williams is ex-wife Patricia Kirtley, the story's real hero
Joanna Molloy
Friday, January 7th 2011, 4:00 AM
A viral video vaulted Ted Williams and his golden voice to fame, but the real hero of this story is the woman he left behind.
Patricia Kirtley raised four daughters alone after Williams split 23 years ago and dove down the rabbit hole of drugs.
Not only that, Kirtley took in the baby boy the radioman had with another woman and raised him as her own.
Oh, and by the way, she's partially blind.
"We survived," Kirtley said Thursday in Reynoldsburg, Ohio. "My children are survivors. They know if we get a little bit that God provides, we make it into a lot. I'm a soup maker. I make potato soup and throw in a lot of vegetables and a little meat. We always ate."
Except that Williams, who seems to be a nice guy, just wasn't strong, wasn't around and wasn't contributing financially.
Kirtley had to go on the dole. "I still remember my case number," she says ruefully. She eventually went to school and got licensed as a blind vendor.
"My mother and sisters pitched in and drove me because I can't see to drive," said Kirtley, now 58, over a din of some of her 16 grandchildren playing.
As if that weren't enough, Kirtley said two of her sisters and a cousin each took in a child Williams and his druggie girlfriend couldn't, or wouldn't, care for.
"I didn't want to see those children in no foster home," she said.
Exactly. It's an all-too-familiar story to the strong members of poor communities - usually women. They are the ones who must provide the backbone, as well as the hugs, for children whose parents get hooked on drugs.
Williams called once in a while, and Kirtley would hear that baritone voice she fell in love with at first sound. They stayed friendly, and he might come for Thanksgiving dinner, but otherwise, he would remain AWOL.
Daughter Julia Pullien, 30, said she was 7 when Williams left.
"He wasn't involved," she said. "Our mom was our sole provider. She is a more than phenomenal person. My father is a nice guy, but he fell victim to the streets. We prayed for him and we worried about him, but we became accustomed to the fact that he just wasn't there."
Kirtley said the kids felt some resentment.
"They didn't understand why he was never there for their school functions, or just to help with their homework," she said.
"That's when I really could have used help, because I couldn't see their pages. My kids are really good readers, though, because I made them read everything to me out loud."
They're grown now, with jobs and kids of their own.
Maybe Williams can redeem himself personally as well as professionally.
Maybe he can be there for his grandchildren in ways he could not for his kids.
Still, all the credit must go to Kirtley, the woman who truly deserves the fame her ex has been getting the past few days.
jmolloy@nydailynews.com
Joanna Molloy
Friday, January 7th 2011, 4:00 AM
A viral video vaulted Ted Williams and his golden voice to fame, but the real hero of this story is the woman he left behind.
Patricia Kirtley raised four daughters alone after Williams split 23 years ago and dove down the rabbit hole of drugs.
Not only that, Kirtley took in the baby boy the radioman had with another woman and raised him as her own.
Oh, and by the way, she's partially blind.
"We survived," Kirtley said Thursday in Reynoldsburg, Ohio. "My children are survivors. They know if we get a little bit that God provides, we make it into a lot. I'm a soup maker. I make potato soup and throw in a lot of vegetables and a little meat. We always ate."
Except that Williams, who seems to be a nice guy, just wasn't strong, wasn't around and wasn't contributing financially.
Kirtley had to go on the dole. "I still remember my case number," she says ruefully. She eventually went to school and got licensed as a blind vendor.
"My mother and sisters pitched in and drove me because I can't see to drive," said Kirtley, now 58, over a din of some of her 16 grandchildren playing.
As if that weren't enough, Kirtley said two of her sisters and a cousin each took in a child Williams and his druggie girlfriend couldn't, or wouldn't, care for.
"I didn't want to see those children in no foster home," she said.
Exactly. It's an all-too-familiar story to the strong members of poor communities - usually women. They are the ones who must provide the backbone, as well as the hugs, for children whose parents get hooked on drugs.
Williams called once in a while, and Kirtley would hear that baritone voice she fell in love with at first sound. They stayed friendly, and he might come for Thanksgiving dinner, but otherwise, he would remain AWOL.
Daughter Julia Pullien, 30, said she was 7 when Williams left.
"He wasn't involved," she said. "Our mom was our sole provider. She is a more than phenomenal person. My father is a nice guy, but he fell victim to the streets. We prayed for him and we worried about him, but we became accustomed to the fact that he just wasn't there."
Kirtley said the kids felt some resentment.
"They didn't understand why he was never there for their school functions, or just to help with their homework," she said.
"That's when I really could have used help, because I couldn't see their pages. My kids are really good readers, though, because I made them read everything to me out loud."
They're grown now, with jobs and kids of their own.
Maybe Williams can redeem himself personally as well as professionally.
Maybe he can be there for his grandchildren in ways he could not for his kids.
Still, all the credit must go to Kirtley, the woman who truly deserves the fame her ex has been getting the past few days.
jmolloy@nydailynews.com
behind golden-voiced ted williams is ex-wife patricia kirtley, the story's real hero
joanna molloy
friday, january 7th 2011, 4:00 am
a viral video vaulted ted williams and his golden voice to fame, but the real hero of this story is the woman he left behind.
Patricia kirtley raised four daughters alone after williams split 23 years ago and dove down the rabbit hole of drugs.
Not only that, kirtley took in the baby boy the radioman had with another woman and raised him as her own.
Oh, and by the way, she's partially blind.
"we survived," kirtley said thursday in reynoldsburg, ohio. "my children are survivors. They know if we get a little bit that god provides, we make it into a lot. I'm a soup maker. I make potato soup and throw in a lot of vegetables and a little meat. We always ate."
except that williams, who seems to be a nice guy, just wasn't strong, wasn't around and wasn't contributing financially.
Kirtley had to go on the dole. "i still remember my case number," she says ruefully. She eventually went to school and got licensed as a blind vendor.
"my mother and sisters pitched in and drove me because i can't see to drive," said kirtley, now 58, over a din of some of her 16 grandchildren playing.
As if that weren't enough, kirtley said two of her sisters and a cousin each took in a child williams and his druggie girlfriend couldn't, or wouldn't, care for.
"i didn't want to see those children in no foster home," she said.
Exactly. It's an all-too-familiar story to the strong members of poor communities - usually women. They are the ones who must provide the backbone, as well as the hugs, for children whose parents get hooked on drugs.
Williams called once in a while, and kirtley would hear that baritone voice she fell in love with at first sound. They stayed friendly, and he might come for thanksgiving dinner, but otherwise, he would remain awol.
Daughter julia pullien, 30, said she was 7 when williams left.
"he wasn't involved," she said. "our mom was our sole provider. She is a more than phenomenal person. My father is a nice guy, but he fell victim to the streets. We prayed for him and we worried about him, but we became accustomed to the fact that he just wasn't there."
kirtley said the kids felt some resentment.
"they didn't understand why he was never there for their school functions, or just to help with their homework," she said.
"that's when i really could have used help, because i couldn't see their pages. My kids are really good readers, though, because i made them read everything to me out loud."
they're grown now, with jobs and kids of their own.
Maybe williams can redeem himself personally as well as professionally.
Maybe he can be there for his grandchildren in ways he could not for his kids.
Still, all the credit must go to kirtley, the woman who truly deserves the fame her ex has been getting the past few days.
jmolloy@nydailynews.com
great story. Hope they (the brotha's mom ,him,his ex, kids, and grand kids) can work it out. This sista held it down.
Raw Footage! Ted Williams meets his mother 2011-01-07
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[FLASH]http://www.youtube.com/v/J-iMReUSfkg?fs=1&hl=en_US[/FLASH]
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Behind golden-voiced Ted Williams is ex-wife Patricia Kirtley, the story's real hero
Joanna Molloy
Friday, January 7th 2011, 4:00 AM
Yea this is story that should be at the for front. But sadly it won't. I'm a little tired of seeing some crackhead get credit for fathering nine children and then dumping them at the door step of other people. Then he shows up 30 years later like its all good. I swear, black people have the lowest standards I ever seen in the world.
Man with the golden voice still going strong, alcohol-free
He hit the media spotlight three years ago and became known as the man with the golden voice. 'When you're listening to nothing but the oldies, you're listening to Magic 98.9'[/I]
Homeless Radio Voice
Ted Williams, a homeless man from Columbus, Ohio, whose deep, velvety voice and touching story prompted an outpouring of sympathy and job offers from across the country, is interviewed after his appearance on the NBC "Today" television show, in New York, Thursday, Jan. 6, 2011. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
Well, he's come a long way from standing on the side of the road doing his magical voice for a dollar. HLN has an update:
'Now, he lives with his long-time girlfriend in their own place.'
'This is the house, let me show you, I couldn't believe, Robin, that I have a fireplace! Whoa! A homeless man with a fireplace.'
It's been a long road, and Williams says he has a lot of titles, including former drug addict. He admitted he started drinking again when he was first discovered, but says he's been sober for two years now.
His voice was featured in a Kraft Macaroni and Cheese commercial. 'Kraft homestyle macaroni and cheese ... you know you love it.'
Williams has also reconnected with family members since his life took a turn for the better.
And he's written a book, fittingly called "A Golden Voice." It's advertised as an honest recollection of his life on the streets and his struggles with addiction. But the book has heartwarming moments too.
'It is a deeply American, from-the-heart comeback story about the power of hope, faith, and personal responsibility. '
We're glad to see Williams has been doing so well, and we certainly hope he got to enjoy every bit of that fireplace this winter.
You might remember the voice of a once-homeless man named Ted Williams.
He hit the media spotlight three years ago and became known as the man with the golden voice. 'When you're listening to nothing but the oldies, you're listening to Magic 98.9'[/I]
Homeless Radio Voice
Ted Williams, a homeless man from Columbus, Ohio, whose deep, velvety voice and touching story prompted an outpouring of sympathy and job offers from across the country, is interviewed after his appearance on the NBC "Today" television show, in New York, Thursday, Jan. 6, 2011. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
Well, he's come a long way from standing on the side of the road doing his magical voice for a dollar. HLN has an update:
'Now, he lives with his long-time girlfriend in their own place.'
'This is the house, let me show you, I couldn't believe, Robin, that I have a fireplace! Whoa! A homeless man with a fireplace.'
It's been a long road, and Williams says he has a lot of titles, including former drug addict. He admitted he started drinking again when he was first discovered, but says he's been sober for two years now.
His voice was featured in a Kraft Macaroni and Cheese commercial. 'Kraft homestyle macaroni and cheese ... you know you love it.'
Williams has also reconnected with family members since his life took a turn for the better.
And he's written a book, fittingly called "A Golden Voice." It's advertised as an honest recollection of his life on the streets and his struggles with addiction. But the book has heartwarming moments too.
'It is a deeply American, from-the-heart comeback story about the power of hope, faith, and personal responsibility. '
We're glad to see Williams has been doing so well, and we certainly hope he got to enjoy every bit of that fireplace this winter.
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ok.
Inspiring feel good story. Great to hear a good story rather than a sad horrible story.
Whatever happened to The Man With the Golden Voice?
Glad to see he's doing well....
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