Ted Williams Shows Off Golden Voice

NBC photo

His voice intact and his dignity restored, a Brooklyn-born panhandler returned to his hometown Thursday morning - and used his golden voice to open the "Today" show.

"From NBC News, this is 'Today' with Matt Lauer and Meredith Viera, live from Studio 1A in Rockefeller Plaza," said Ted Williams, the homeless recovering alcoholic turned media star.

According to a story at nydailynews.com, Williams, 53, arrived at the morning network show's W. 48th St. studios with a big smile. Just three days ago, he was begging for change from motorists in Columbus, Ohio.
"It's delightful, just delightful," Williams said of his instant celebrity. "I'm just happy to meet Matt Lauer, see my mom and be back in New York!"

The new star sported an old wardrobe: A green camouflage jacket, green T-shirt and jeans. He sipped from a coffee in one hand and a water bottle in the other.

Williams said it was unclear when he would reunite with his mother, Julia Williams, for the first time in more than a decade.

"I don't know when I'll see her," he said before sitting for a nationally-televised interview.

Julia Williams, 92, told WCBS Channel 2 News that drugs "destroyed my whole family."

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