Ted Williams, 'Golden-Voiced' Homeless Man, Reunites With Mother After 20 Years

The last couple days have been emotional for Ted Williams, the 'golden-voiced' homeless man from Ohio who's won the country over with his story -- and vocal talents.

But the most momentous part of the transition from homeless to YouTube darling came when Williams reunited with his mother Thursday in New York, after 20 years of separation.

NBC's "The Today Show" captured the tearful reunion.

WATCH:

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Read more about how the Columbus Dispatch discovered Williams panhandling on the side of a highway here.

Comments

[Christopher Koulouris]

08:16 AM on 01/07/2011

Ah, America. The only place that you never have to give up on your dreams. One day you’re a penniless Panhandler from Columbus, Ohio and before you know it, you’re sitting next to Matt Lauer on the set of the “Today” show and have people wearing t-shirts with your face printed on the front.

If only there were more good feel stories about panhandlers making it....

http://scallywagandvagabond.com/2011/01/yes-its-true-ted-williams-is-more-popular-than-susan-boyle-ever-was/

[Sunflo]

07:57 AM on 01/07/2011

**sniffle**. I love my Mom.

[GiantCrab]

01:41 AM on 01/07/2011

I cant help but think this is "Bizarro Obama"

They look like they could be brothers, but one went to Harvard and other became a drug addict.

They both even have awesome voices.

[Ecoutez]

01:56 PM on 01/07/2011

There is somewhat of a resemblance...but Ted Williams looks more like the indigenous people of Australia...the Aboriginals..who are of African ancestry and have a history going back hundreds...perhaps thousands of years on the planet.

[Cynth]

01:30 AM on 01/07/2011

It's wonderful that both have this second chance for a relationship. A real Happy New Year, indeed!

[FTracy3]

01:07 AM on 01/07/2011

I thought Ted Williams' frozen head was the subject of a cryogenics lab abuse story a few years ago. I'm glad to hear he's getting back on his feet. Or neck. Or whatever.

[305Rider]

01:01 AM on 01/07/2011

That just made my day!

[thewholestory]

12:53 AM on 01/07/2011

What a great dream & prayer!

[thecesar]

12:44 AM on 01/07/2011

fk recovery

LEGALIZE IT NOW!!!!!!

[E NUFF]

01:23 AM on 01/07/2011

!d!ots who don't know what the h#ll they are talking about
shouldn't write anything at all.

[AngusC]

12:37 AM on 01/07/2011

That was beautiful, his momma is so cute.

[lightist]

12:30 AM on 01/07/2011

If families are as complex as this one, beautifully touching as this reunion is, imagine the complexities of a world full of us.

[october2009]

12:25 AM on 01/07/2011

This is a great story!

Just think of all the homeless panhandler­s walking around our country today...

Wouldn't it be nice if we could put them to work so they can earn some money, eat three meals a day, and sleep under a roof? It doesn't even need to be a lot of money, just something to get them on their feet and off the streets.

Too bad we're not allowed to offer the unskilled people a manufactur­ing job or something.­.. We wouldn't even need China to make our products! We could make them in America!

[Ecoutez]

02:05 PM on 01/07/2011

There is a plethora of "untapped talent" in our country. People are just thrown in a box and LLL (labeled for life) based on how they look. Although his behavior was self-inflicted....deep inside he knew his talents and that he could make it. Thank God for the intervention of the videographer who stopped to "listen" to him. This is a very heart-wrenching story. We need more stories like this to balance out all of the ugliness and toxicity in the world that comes at us 24/7.

[FPhoebe]

06:25 PM on 01/07/2011

Do you know that many of our homeless are old war veterans? People with mental disabilities? At one point in time, there were many federally funded mental institutions. When the funding all but ceased, those men and women were thrown out on the streets. There were and are halfway houses for the homeless, but they aren't equipped to deal with those who have mental disabilities and can be thrown out if causing problems. These people aren't lazy or stupid, they need professional help.

[aznurse]

12:24 AM on 01/07/2011

I really like this guy and I truly, truly hope his life is full of happiness. but, something about this video makes me feel upset. I guess it's shows that sometimes even when your if your "92" you still have to worry about your kids.
I hope he has a solid foundation to keep gournded and to keep his sobriety.

[Ecoutez]

02:06 PM on 01/07/2011

Being a mother is a lifelong job.

[metaphysicist]

12:22 AM on 01/07/2011

this is the pivot point...

[Bluemax1]

12:20 AM on 01/07/2011

It is beautiful to see a reunion of love between a mother and son. Each person has gifts and a story to tell but not always a means to express their voice. If the oppressed are acknowledged by an offer of a hand into the light the world can have an opportunity to share in their joy.