Golden-voiced homeless man gets job after video viral

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Ted Williams today

Ted Williams, 53 -- the homeless man with a golden voice says he is 'thankful to be here'

Panhandling only days before appearing on MSNBC TODAY, Ted Williams expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support he’s received since becoming a YouTube sensation, and says he’s found “a new sense of spirituality.”

Just watch the Today videos:

here and here


But according to The Smoking Gun, the homeless-man-turned-Internet-sensation has a rap sheet that includes theft, robbery, escape, forgery and drug possession. The Brooklyn native has at least six mug shots.

Homeless Man with Golden Voice Has Criminal Past

In an interview Thursday on the Today show, Williams admits he got heavily caught up with drugs and alcohol. "My life went to pits," said Williams, who also discussed his criminal record on the morning show.

Williams said he grew up in Brooklyn, and at 14 took a field trip to a radio station. While there, he was struck by the fact that one of the on-air announcers looked nothing like he sounded.

“Radio is defined ‘theater of mind,’ ” the announcer told him.
Williams was hooked. He said it took years to develop his voice, and he also went to school for training.

“Alcohol and drugs — and a few other things — became my life,” Williams admitted, but added that he has “been two years clean.”