Homeless man w/golden radio voice in Columbus, OH (Update-FINAL)

[forty6]

Run time: 01:38 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTysXITBCmk   Posted on YouTube: January 03, 2011 By YouTube Member: ritchey Views on YouTube: 4561566   Posted on DU: January 05, 2011 By DU Member: forty6 Views on DU: 4008

 
Are you wondering why this is a political video???

Take a look, here's a story of a man "two years clean" of drugs and alcohol, and a very lucky chance break out of homelessness.

A feel good and think twice story about the homeless we so often ignore! (my opinion)

Read the Youtube poster's comments and follow up to get the full story, updated Jan 5

[wxgeek7]

1. Wow!

At first, I couldn't believe it, thinking someone possibly had dubbed his voice with some other. But sure enough, after listening to him explain his bio, this gentleman has a fantastic voice for radio/tv! Looks like God's about to change this man's life for the better, which is awesome! :)

Chalk another up for Youtube's usefuleness!

[JNelson6563]

45. Yeah, it's "God's" doing.

oy.

[Kajsa]

46. Welcome to DU!

:hi: :)

[wxgeek7]

51. Thanx!

:hi:

[jberryhill]

49. I guess God doesn't care much for other homeless people in similar circumstances

It's a good thing God picks out the winners of that bunch.

Otherwise, I might feel as if I were responsible for caring.

Whew... that's a load of worry off my back there.

[forty6]

2. Here's the Youtube video maker's comment so you all won't have to go searching ...

Throwing this video from the Columbus Dispatch out there, hoping we can find this talent a place to call home.

UPDATE-1: Many thanks go out to all of you who have been tossing phone numbers and e-mails my way for Ted's sake. I went up to Hudson/I-71 (Columbus) today, but Ted wasn't there. He is going to be on air tomorrow morning on radio station WNCI. I've left my contact info w/WNCI to call/e-mail me on a way to get your enormous opportunities over to him.

I'm going to give him a Trac phone (w/ample minutes) so that he can return calls to all of you.

Hopefully, in some way I'll get in contact w/him. Peace.

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.
Category:
Nonprofits & Activism

[monmouth]

7. Especially, especially people who are new to their recovery. Many

down days trying to recoup, get a job with a background check, many refusals, etc. and still stay sober and clean. This wonderful man Ted, with a god-given talent is a prime example of what could be, no matter how dark the days right now. Hang in there is the mantra for many to help get back on your feet. Can't wait for him to be on Letterman.

[rasputin1952]

28. Thank you...

It's wonderful when someone "makes it". Two years clean and sober...after watching Boehner 24/7, this was a God-send!

:woohoo:

[Perfect Ten]

3. Hired by the Cleveland Cavaliers!!!

Awesome!!!

[ChoppinBroccoli]

4. This Story Is Amazing

This guy lives right here in the same city with me, and if not for someone with the heart to put him on YouTube (and the ability to publicize it), not only would I never have known he existed, but he would likely still be standing out there on the exit ramp with a sign begging for nickels and dimes.

I would love for this guy to become a radio personality and to share his story with the world in the coming years.

[forty6]

6. I think you and he will get that wish! He's on his way. AND by the way..

this video has already been seen more than 4 million times.

Thanks for noticing and watching !

[gristy]

37. One day later and now 11 million times

I've never seen anything like that.

[Plucketeer]

5. Truly a FEEL GOOD story here!

Hope there's a book deal in his future.



BOEHNER - McDUNCELL JOBS PLAN

[FailureToCommunicate]

35. ...AND a 'books-on-tape' deal also, I hope. Go Ted!

[NOLALady]

8. That ole sandstorm again.

Dumped sand in my eyes.

[forty6]

9. Sorry, I don't understand. Explain please? n/t

[Charleston Chew]

14. She Means This Video Caused Her To Cry.

[forty6]

19. Thanks! I guess I don't get out enough. LOL n/t

[Charleston Chew]

10. Political Content?

He seems like a charming guy and I can relate with the brief summary of his life. I wish for nothing but the best for this guy.

Have any of you ever visited current.com? That is the forum that would suit you better when feeling the urge to share something like this.

[forty6]

11. Thanks for your thoughts. Did you read the poster's comments?

Is there not a "political" message there?

"Politics" is not just about electing politicians, in my personal opinion.

[Charleston Chew]

13. AWESOME!

I can use that style of disclaimer to post all sorts of feel good, fluff.

Thanx 4 the heds up!

[Turborama]

30. Have you read the guidelines yet?

This part is pertinent...

3. VIDEO CONTENT
This is a political website so we expect the videos to have some political content or relevance to current news stories.

The video in the OP is not just "relevant" to a current news story, it is the current news story which is currently being covered by many news organizations across the world.

[Politicalboi]

12. Here's an update

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/01/04/golden-voiced-homeless-ma_n_804471.html

[mod mom]

15. and more from the Cols Dispatch

Finding an agent to navigate the undoubtedly complex - and predatory - landscape ahead is vital, said Shane Cormier, a Los Angeles agency owner whose clients have done voice-over work for Ford, Sprint and Western Union. He sent an e-mail to The Dispatch yesterday.

"We could make him a millionaire," Cormier said.

WBNS-TV (Channel 10) wants Williams to provide narration for promotional spots during its first-ever "One Day to End Homelessness" telethon on Jan. 31, said Frank Willson, director of operations. (WBNS is owned by The Dispatch Printing Company, which also owns The Dispatch.)

And a $10,000 offer for voice-over work for the Ohio Credit Union League will be presented this morning on WNCI, where camera crews from NBC's Today show and other national networks are expected to be on hand.
-snip

http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2011/01/05/a-voice-from-the-streets-has-the-sound-of-a-fairy-tale.html?sid=101

[butterfly77]

18. That would be ..

Perfect!!!

[JDPriestly]

16. Wonderful voice! And I hope he uses it to speak for the homeless.

[forty6]

17. I'm pretty sure he will, given the thoughtfulness of his interview on

this short video.

[stuntcat]

39. yes!

I think that would be great too :)

[jennied]

20. I've been following this story and it's so uplifting.

The fact that the original video was uploaded just two days ago, two days ago he was asking for money on the street. Now he's on his way to potentially being RICH not just with money, but with a job, home, clothes... it's just truly amazing. THIS is what America is SUPPOSED to be like. Why don't politicians see that?!?!

Everyone has a talent and needs a chance - but how are we supposed to have any chances if we just keep getting pushed down?!

[Grassy Knoll]

21. Olbermann said.....

He couldn't get on the plane to visit his mother because he had no ID. :wtf:
That's fucked up.

[peacetalksforall]

22. That was a winner video!!!! Thank so much for posting. I wish him the best of good fortune.

[niceypoo]

23. 'Golden-voiced’ homeless man lands dream job, house'

“The Cleveland Cavaliers just offered me a full-time job and a house! A house! A house!” Ted Williams said while appearing on a morning radio show in Columbus, Ohio, called “ Dave and Jimmy.”
Williams was offered the job and free home by a caller to the show who said she represented the Cavaliers, the New York Post reported.

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/40916364/ns/today-today_people/

Lets hope he stays clean and sober

[Carnage251]

24. Great n/t

[BobTheSubgenius]

25. What a fantastic story!

I can't believe how good it felt to read the updates of this.

I can understand the gentle objections to this not being *strictly* a political story, but finding ways to change the lives of people that need help is part of a broader definition of politics, in my opinion.....and if I'm wrong about that, I still think this piece is worth the space.

If people disagree with this submission, it will drop off the page pretty soon anyway, no?

[nadine_mn]

26. I have one issue with this man's amazing story - I am waiting for the right wing

spin on how this proves we don't need a stimulus package or unemployment benefits.

First - can Ted just do an audiotape of reading me bedtime stories for when I can't sleep - wow what a voice.

Secondly and to the issue I have - did anyone catch his interview on CBS Morning News? He thanked God many times and even one of the interviewers said that there was a reason that he was on that corner that day at that time.

I have nothing against God or anyone's belief in a higher being - clearly that is what gave him the strength to make it through each day.

But I can just hear my fellow Minnesotan Michelle Bachman (ick - I just threw up a little in my mouth) to show up on the Fox Noise to say that he is evidence that we don't need any stimulus packages - just trust in God or have Boehner weeping in front of a camera saying that who needs unemployment when this man is evidence that those who are unemployed need to trust in God and go stand on a corner.


I am not knocking this man's story, his belief, his gift or his courage to beat substance abuse and still try to make it for himself - I just groaned a little given our current political climate on how this is going to be evidence that all it takes is faith (Christian faith) to put food on the table.

[rasputin1952]

27. Two years clean, has the voice for radio...

got several job offers, a place to call home and a paycheck...one small story...but what a feel good story it is...:D

[forty6]

29. NBC's Today show featuring him LIVE in the 7 AM hour.

[VeryConfused]

31. This was a terrific story of redemption

[Turborama]

32. K&R! Thanks a lot for posting

& welcome to DU!

:hi:

[Dokkie]

33. Good for him

But somehow I cannot believe hes been sober for 2.5yrs especially sinces hes been on the street that 2.5yrs. I still wish him he best of luck, am just afraid stories would later come out about him still using drugs

[onpatrol98]

34. Sober Homeless

There are sober and drug free homeless people...in fact, we're seeing more and more of them every day.

[Dokkie]

36. I know a few my self

but not the ones that became homeless due to drugs and alcohol, it hard enough kicking an addiction with a home/apt talkless of doing it while on the streets.

[madmax]

41. He's lucky to have the gift of his voice - if not

no one would help him. Being a human being wouldn't matter, if you don't have something of value to offer the corporate world.

I'm very happy for Ted and wish him the best of everything but, we should keep in mind those who fell between the cracks and are still homeless, wihout food and medical care.

Yeah, God Bless America - and ALL her people.

[swilton]

38. So much wasted talent

[liberal N proud]

40. Williams: Taking my talents to Cleveland

The Cleveland Cavaliers may have lost the free agency sweepstakes of 2010, but they appear to the have landed the hottest commodity of the New Year.

Ted Williams, the homeless man with the golden voice, told ABC News that he is going to accept the Cavs offer for a full-time job, which comes with a mortgage-free home.

“Out of all the all the offers I’ve had, and I’ve had quite a few, I’ll be going with that,” Williams said. “I’ll be working in Cleveland, Ohio.”

The job would include voiceover and broadcasting work for the Cavs and Quicken Loans, but the Cavs have not confirmed that Williams has officially accepted the job.

http://www.newsnet5.com/dpp/news/local_news/water_cooler/willilams-im-taking-my-talents-to-cleveland

[madmax]

42. I hope he uses his story to bring attention and help

to others who are homeless through the greedy banksters, corporate thieves and robber barons.

That would help a lot of innocent people who also deserve a break.

[mstinamotorcity]

43. This man says he had been Homeless

for ten years. Ten Years. Now let's see who was President then???

This is the story of countless Americans. We now have some of the Greatest minds and spirits homeless on Americas streets. These are not throw away people. These are engineers,scientist,teachers,steel workers,and array of people who had home,jobs, and a sense of purpose. The recession did not start for them September 2008. It started systematically in 2001.

What I hope this teaches our citizens is that there is value in every human being. Though we may not approve of their life choices, we must remember this may not be a life choice but a victim of circumstance. It has been proven that the Average American is only two paychecks away from where this man was.

So to see him with the opportunity to change his life and hopefully the life of others will be an American song that has the tone of pride when sung. I hope that all his dreams come true and he is never ever homeless again. And yes he has a very Beautiful Broadcasting voice.


Even though times are hard for many, it is up to us to find the Diamonds among the stones.

[savalez]

44. Thank you for posting such a moving video forty6.

This is a great story. Too often talent is wasted on the abuse of drugs and alcohol. I'm glad he's getting a second chance. I hope the best for him. Wow.

[savalez]

47. He was on the Today show this morning.

Nice guy.

[Turborama]

48. WTF? I just clicked on the link and go this: "This video is no longer available due to a copyright"

"This video is no longer available due to a copyright claim by Zeiger, Tigges."

The video that went viral and got him famous has been pulled due to a copyright claim?

Is someone starting to get greedy already? It would be a real shame if that was the case.

[forty6]

50. There seems to be money involved, now, yes! Sorry about that

[jb5150]

52. I hope

he puts a little aside for his nine kids.