Scroll down for update…
A homeless man with a “golden voice” was offered a job with a local radio station in Columbus, Ohio after a viral video garnered over 4 million hits on YouTube in 2 days.
Ted Williams was soliciting money by the side of Interstate 71 in Columbus, Ohio, when a reporter from the Columbus Dispatch spotted his sign advertising his “god given gift” of a golden voice.
The reporter uploaded a video he made on his cell phone of Wiliams speaking, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Let’s hope Mr. Williams doesn’t end up back on the side of the highway when the pressures of fame overwhelms him.
Update:
According to ESPN.com, the Cleveland Cavaliers reached out to Mr. Williams today to offer him a position at the Quicken Loans Arena.
Watch the amazing video after the break!
UPDATE-2: To all those who have been writing me (as one of Ted’s only means of contact), I have learned that the radio station interviewing him tomorrow (1-5-11) a.m. is going to make him a formal offer. Whether true or not, we’ll see.
Hope it works out well for him. That was the whole point of me posting this video. I cannot thank enough everyone who was willing to do their part in offering Ted their helping hand.
Whoever lands him is certainly getting much more than a memorable personality; they’re getting a great human being as part of their team.
My best to all.
UPDATE-FINAL: Well everyone. You can give yourselves and Ted a high-five. He’s being given offers hand-over-fist over the air. He’ll be set for life.
My request to all. Whenever you run across a story such as this, don’t assume it’ll take a life of its own, on its own. It won’t. It can’t. There are too many other stories that drown out the one before it.
You need to spend time to get that story and its word out to many. If you care, you’ll do it.
Keep the faith, pay forward and always lend a hand; even if you’re the one who needs it.
God bless Mr. Williams. I’m sure we’ll be seeing more of him for sometime to come.
Just Beautiful
I just read that on yahoo. He does sound like a radio personality. Didn’t he say he was an ex-broadcaster who turned to drugs and such? He’s two years clean he says so I wish the best for him!
“Keep the faith, pay forward and always lend a hand; even if you’re the one who needs it.”
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I saw this story yesterday, I’m glad it turned out well and I’m glad people are still helping people.
SN: Am I the only person who reads the comments in different voices inside my head?
A great story…you never know when your bucket of gold will come….Good Luck to him…
Wow!
That is soooo awesome!!!
I saw this yesterday and was really impressed.
Its amazing(in a bad way) what addiction can do to people with so much promise. Hope he gets a second chance and run with it.
@aqtpie
I’m Awesome……………..
@Dawn-nope I do the same thing lmao. When I think the person is upset the voice in my head sounds upset also….ok now I sound crazy!!!
get it Mr. Radio Voice Man!! He seems nice…
I read this on yahoo last night and am happy he got good news.
This economy is crazy and its good to know that there is hope for some people, even in the worst of times.
I am glad he is getting a second chance I hope he see ths blessing this was and takes advantage of it and helps someone else out there, good luck to him.
@Dawn “SN: Am I the only person who reads the comments in different voices inside my head?”
Girl nah… i do that all the time
Whenever someone comments I imagine the voice they should have lolol
Mamacita says:
@Dawn “SN: Am I the only person who reads the comments in different voices inside my head?”
Girl nah… i do that all the time
Whenever someone comments I imagine the voice they should have lolol
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I think it’s just human nature. I can talk to somone on the phone and when I meet them in person 9 times out of 10 I knew what they would look like.
I forgot to comment on Ted Williams, GOD is still good all the time. It just goes to show that with will power anything is possible. Who needs a $32,000 /month stay at rehab to clean up their act.
I’m so sick of hearing about this dude lookin like Prince cracked out at 80 years old.
He homeless but look like he got a fresh perm in his chit. Oh.. he sound EXACTLY like the one million and one other dudes on the radio so I’m ‘posed to rush to get him on my radio station or sumpin?
this is an awsome story!! this man will be blessed beyond belief and i hope he does pay it forward to others in need!
@ Man, I just don’t care
Dont be so negative hon you never know what might be the catalyst that puts you in his place before he got his second chance…I’m just sayin’
@Man shut up!
Look at God! What he has for you is for you! As the saying goes favor aint fair!!
you tube changes lives! God Bless Him
@DOUBLENAE
“Dont be so negative hon you never know what might be the catalyst that puts you in his place before he got his second chance…I’m just sayin’
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I’m not being “negative” because I didn’t wish any “ill-will” on the dude. Just sick of hearing about him. This story has been circulating for the past few days.
I don’t find anything particularly “remarkable” about it. Doesn’t everyone know a fiend that got talents doin sumpin?
(plans to ride out to the old neighborhood to record a crackhead singing “Jesus Loves Me” and post it on and YouTube)
THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THAT I EVER HEARD THIS STORY; GOOD FOR HIM AND THE GUY THAT HELPED HIM OUT. IT IS REFRESHING TO HEAR SOME GOOD IN THE WORLD
he looks liek he couldve been a tv personailty too in hid younger yrs, fix his teeth and hair i see potential, but yeah, im glad he’ll get a job
now for the other 11% of unemployed people out there…
This is the first time I heard it too. If you’re tired of hearing it don’t look at it.
Hey Jerrica… How are you boo
@Man go back in the Cube post and read my comment to you!
This is so heartwarming. This is why I love my city so much (Columbus, OH)! No matter how bad you messed up, Buckeyes are so forgiving.
I’m going to start soliciting on the corner for tuition and upload it on youtube….who’s going to support me?
“The more imperfections someone has, the more I love them. WHY? Because I love human”
This is one of the best human stories of 2011 thus far. Speak on God’s Timing, and how Nothing!! Absolutely Nothing is impossible when we allow God to work on our behalf. BEST STORE EVER!
Happy New Year ya’ll!!! I’ve been on holiday, so I’m catching up on all the juicy news =) This guy is blessed…hope he can stay clean and employed. I heard he’s going to be on the Today Show on 1/6/2011! Good for him!
Man, I just don’t care™ says: I don’t find anything particularly “remarkable” about it. Doesn’t everyone know a fiend that got talents doin sumpin?
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MAN!! Allow me, my lil e-brah of controversy, to give you yet another string of thought as it relates to this story: Its one more example that there is a God. And we need it with birds falling dead from the sky, and the government selling the story that it was due to Fireworks in December….all you got from this story was the TALENT aspect? Go another directions MAAAAAAAAAAAANNNNNNNNNNNNNN!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (in my chris tucker voice)
Man, I just don’t care™ says:so I’m ‘posed to rush to get him on my radio station or sumpin?
told ya’ll celebrities lurk amongst us.
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you got a radio station?
Here’s Ted all cleaned up, haircut, and shave and all. His interview on the radio station that found him WNCI 97.9. He’s not bad at all. Kind of an inspiring story. He was a former DJ and served in the US army for 3 yrs. Typical story. Fell into drinking, then drugs and homelessness. Been clean 2.5yrs. Listen to the callers offering work like MTV and CBS. WTF?? Lucky bastard, lol.
http://www.wnci.com/mediaplayer/?action=ondemand&item=20763705
this story is all well and good, but we cant say oh God this and that when its people that is sruggling now and will die struggling
@JERRICA
“If you’re tired of hearing it don’t look at it.”
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….OR be proactive and tell the blogger that it’s old and question the significance of the post.
@GENIA
told ya’ll celebrities lurk amongst us.
“so I’m ‘posed to rush to get him on my radio station or sumpin?
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you got a radio station?
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Allow me to rephrase:
“so I’m ‘posed to rush to get him on my
radio*ahem* YOU TUBE station or sumpin?”spongebobfan says:
this story is all well and good, but we cant say oh God this and that when its people that is sruggling now and will die struggling
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What do we say then? Are you saying Don’t give God the credit, because OTHER people are still struggling? Not instigating an E-war hear…just seeking clarity on your comment
Here’s Ted all cleaned up, haircut, and shave and all. His interview on the radio station that found him WNCI 97.9. He’s not bad at all. Kind of an inspiring story. He was a former DJ and served in the US army for 3 yrs. Typical story. Fell into drinking, then drugs and homelessness. Been clean 2.5yrs. Listen to the callers offering work like MTV and CBS. WTF?? Lucky bastard, lol.
wnci.com/mediaplayer/?action=ondemand&item=20763705
You know i dunno… thats why im not a overly religious person because of the hypocrisy that takes place. its just if this one man can thank God as he has done, what do the other struggling folks do? what are they doing wrong? where is their miracle?
im just tired of the human suffering period, and if God plans on doing something about it, he needs to hurry up
all that said, good luck to mr williams, now he about to have some money, can he resist the temptation of drugs and alcohol again? hmmm
@ MAN: It’s not OLD to me because this is the first I’m even hearing about this, so like I said, if YOU don’t want to hear or see about it anymore, don’t click it.
Hey CHA CHA! I’m good, school just started back. How are you?
I’m struggling right not without a job, but I still thank God everyday for keeping me alive, for having supporting friends and family. Just because you’re struggling doesn’t mean give up, some people don’t even believe in God but don’t knock those that do.
I am too emotional because that actually made my eyes water up….I hope he stays on track
Jerrica says:
I’m struggling right not without a job, but I still thank God everyday for keeping me alive, for having supporting friends and family. Just because you’re struggling doesn’t mean give up, some people don’t even believe in God but don’t knock those that do.
I agree… hang in there sweetie and dont get discouraged.. Victory beyond defeat!
O.K. he has an Outstanding RADIO-Broadcasting VOICE which isn’t UNCOMMON amongst those TYPE of Individuals (Real…) Glad he’s able to overcome HIS Self-Destructive Patterns in HIS Life to do better for himself…
BUT what about the ABUNDANCE of Individuals with TRUE Talent that has always lived their life in a NON-Destructive Manner that Purposely & Systematically get screwed over and can never catch their DESERVING BREAK IN LIFE (Just A Thought…)
Hello my ELove.
Yes, that is certainly a thought worth thinking about.
ELove says:
Glad he’s able to overcome HIS Self-Destructive Patterns in HIS Life to do better for himself…
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I don’t think he’s overcome his vices. He just doesn’t have any cash to support his vices. He used to be a radio announcer in the past. We’ll see if he stays clean now that he’s flush with cash.
Jerrica says:
I’m struggling right not without a job, but I still thank God everyday for keeping me alive, for having supporting friends and family.
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I’ve been there. Trust me, it will get better. When you hit rock bottom, the only direction you can go is up.
ELove says:
…..BUT what about the ABUNDANCE of Individuals with TRUE Talent that has always lived their life in a NON-Destructive Manner that Purposely & Systematically get screwed over and can never catch their DESERVING BREAK IN LIFE (Just A Thought…)
January 5, 2011 at 2:08 pm
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You have a very good point. I’ve never been a religious person but I do believe everything happens for a reason. As Daisy pointed out up top; what God has for you, it will be for you. There are so many people with dreams on becoming the next Beyonce,Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan, etc. Although that may be YOUR individual plan, who’s to say that’s God plan for you?
50 Sandra Rose says:
I don’t think he’s overcome his vices. He just doesn’t have any cash to support his vices. He used to be a radio announcer in the past. We’ll see if he stays clean now that he’s flush with cash.
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Most companies these days have a strict drug policy in place. He said he has 2 years clean. This is a sink or swim situation.
No NICE to hear good news
So Nice i meant..lol
Hello All. Every morning, I wake up to channel 4 DC news. For the past 20 yrs or so, at least 3 of the lead stories are about blacks killing other blacks, or some other homicide story. (I was in Norfolk this summer, same thing, another channel.) That’s why this human interest story is so refreshing. I wish I could wake up every morning to a good story. Truth be told, I can’t wait til I retire and move from this city of politics. It can wear you down. Peace.
I live in Columbus and I see that guy ALLLL THE TIME! Me and my girl gave him money before and said he would be cute if someone cleaned him up! THIS IS CRAZY TO ME!!!! LMMFAO!
@ WUTWUZINDAT!?: Well he’d better swim then. The fact that he had that great gift, yet people still abandoned him, tells me that he’s probably a manipulator who used everybody in his life.
Thanks Cha Cha and Sandra. I know he has something wonderful in store for me and it will come when he knows I’m ready for it to come so for now school and my nephew is my main focus.
Jerrica says:
I’m struggling right not without a job, but I still thank God everyday for keeping me alive, for having supporting friends and family. Just because you’re struggling doesn’t mean give up, some people don’t even believe in God but don’t knock those that do.
January 5, 2011 at 1:38 pm
Sandra Rose says:
I’ve been there. Trust me, it will get better. When you hit rock bottom, the only direction you can go is up.
January 5, 2011 at 2:18 pm
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When I think about God and how He’s blessed me and brought me through so much, I can’t help but smile and make a joyful noise. In watching the news and reading some of the personal stories posted on this blog in the comment section, you have to recognize that things could always be so much worse than they already are. The way I see it, we are all one bad decision away from becoming a drunk, drug addict or homeless for that matter. Regardless of your circumstance, keep giving God genuine praise and thanks; your situation will turn around (in His perfect timing of course)and NEVER, EVER give up. Remember, you haven’t really lived life unless you have a testimony to give. Hopping off my soapbox now, just felt someone needed to hear that…..
spongebobfan says:
You know i dunno… thats why im not a overly religious person because of the hypocrisy that takes place. its just if this one man can thank God as he has done, what do the other struggling folks do? what are they doing wrong? where is their miracle?
im just tired of the human suffering period, and if God plans on doing something about it, he needs to hurry up
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I can appreciate that. And like you, I am not a religious person. I think we would have to come to a mutual understanding of the word STRUGGLE. Earth Quakes, Famine and plagues…are those struggles?
This story and storeis of this nature allows me to grow in awareness that there is a higher force in our lives..and that force has no respect of person. I could of course go on to give the standard greeting of “God gives us all free will” and so on and so on…I could also add that some things happen for a reason…these are typical responses to someone that stands out on the limb to ask “Where is God in Everyone Else’s Life”…but I am not preaching. I will say this: …There is GOD amongst us.
I feel everyone’s life has a purpose and everyone’s life touches another, in some way. We are here for God’s purposes, of which we may never know, not our own. The bible doesn’t say believers will not suffer. Even Jesus suffered. Pain ends in heaven (for those of us that believe.)
Not to be all Redeem/Rest- O-ish. LOL.
Sandra Rose says:
@ WUTWUZINDAT!?: Well he’d better swim then. The fact that he had that great gift, yet people still abandoned him, tells me that he’s probably a manipulator who used everybody in his life
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DING!DING!DING!
praise the LORD!!!
@ySoSerious
Appreciate that Sugah
Ms. Sandra
I DIDN’T want to GO THERE but your assessment is probably more ON-POINT from my personal experiences with Self-Destructive RELATIVES within my Family Tree (Real…)
@yvonne
My TRUE Talent remark wasn’t meant solely for Entertainment Fame or Professional Athletic Success BUT I get what your saying though… And One’s DREAM doesn’t have to equate to BEING FAMOUS or KNOWN to the WORLD for Public Admiration & Adulation (At Least not to Me…)
IT just seems that being a GENUINE Good Nature-n-Spiritual, Sincere & Giving of Yourself individual doesn’t resonate it’s JUST DUE Respect & Support that the VAST MAJORITY Claim to seek in an individual’s CHARACTER and INNATE BEING
Why are there so many haters in the world? Why does he have to be the Manipulator? Why couldn’t it be his family that maybe abused him growing up and abandoned him. Maybe he tried to do something better with this self but THE DEPRESSION and loneliness became to much FOR him to deal with and the drove him to the edge. I swear..smh!
ELove says:
And One’s DREAM doesn’t have to equate to BEING FAMOUS or KNOWN to the WORLD for Public Admiration & Adulation (At Least not to Me…)
IT just seems that being a GENUINE Good Nature-n-Spiritual, Sincere & Giving of Yourself individual doesn’t resonate it’s JUST DUE Respect & Support that the VAST MAJORITY Claim to seek in an individual’s CHARACTER and INNATE BEING
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I adore your rhetorical questions/statements, very thought provoking….
dude’s hair IS on point though. i don’t see many homeless in the A with their ish bouncing and behaving. he reminds me of this MARTA train conductor in the A whose voice i used to love.
anyhow, i know SR is not hating on the poor homeless man??? for the cavs, etc. this is about $$$$$$. everyone loves a story like this and the people will tune in just to hear the homeless man who got a second chance’s ‘beautiful’ voice.
@JERRICA
“It’s not OLD to me because this is the first I’m even hearing about this, so like I said, if YOU don’t want to hear or see about it anymore, don’t click it.”
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BUT since it IS OLD TO ME, I CAN TELL THE BLOGGER THAT IT IS OLD AND INSIGNIFICANT…
RIGHT?
That is brrreautiful!
Well like I said @ MAN don’t click it. You chose to read it again, so it’s nobody’s fault but yours thats you’re tired of seeing it.
Thank Yvonne. I needed to hear that.
@JERRICA
“Well like I said @ MAN don’t click it. You chose to read it again, so it’s nobody’s fault but yours thats you’re tired of seeing it.”
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AND, like I said, I’m tired of it being reported because it is insignificant. What does me clicking on it or reading about it have to do with anything?