Golden Voice Ted Williams reunites with his 90 year old Mother on the Today Show!

A "dream" is how both Ted Williams, the golden-voiced homeless man who has become an overnight sensation, and his 90-year-old mother, Julia Williams, described their tearful reunion after many years apart, during which Williams spiraled down from successful radio personality to drug-addicted panhandler.
"The dream finally came true," Williams told Meredith Vieira on TODAY Friday.

[@angelah.3402]

That mother!!! My GOD!! All she has is negative things to say. She reminds me of my grandma!!

[@austinbevis4266]

She’s keeping it real!! I love Ted, but he needed the tough love

[@dustyramsey34]

His personality is a complete contrast to hers. He is a better man than most for defending her despite her hurtful comments.

[@barneyronnie]

His mother is sharp for being 90 years old!

[@DaisyThomas777]

I can't believe his mom said those things. Very Cold!!! He has a good heart and I wish him the best.

[@2009bigchief]

There lots of women like that God fearing Hippocratic more worried about dam sign than what that poor poor man was going threw .I went threw something like that I'm happy now and away from my Hippocratic of a so called mother 8 years now .I got on great with my father I could not see what my father seen in the old bxxxxxd

[@CivilizedWarrior]

My dads family were Jehovas Witnesses and they were fucking weird too. Its like they love to judge everyone else, even tho most of them are addicts and ex cons or they have like 5 kids to 5 different dudes. Dont get me wrong, I’m an addict too, everybody fucks up sometimes, but Im not super judgy or fake like that. Idk. All them Jehovas seem like a bunch of screwballs and sketchballs.

[@fabmd8]

It's hard for his mom to be positive because she's been crushed each time she allowed herself to be positive. He's so fragile, yet you know he's his own worst enemy with that addiction crap. Good luck to them both. Hope he stays clean. He really does have a God given gift with that voice. May he bring glory to God in some way with his life and voice.

[@UniqueNei]

I'm proud of him and wish him the best. His mother doesn't appear to be very supportive but instead worries about what others think which is a shame because he's turned his life around and deserves support

[@TeamOctaviaNow]

So shameful that complete strangers often offer more moral support than the ones who know and "love" you the most. Yes there are plenty of challenges to continue to work on but I didn't feel she spoke very positively in regard to his success, new found life, and seemingly great character. I'm sure he's suffered enough being homeless in all that time, no need to bring up his downfall at every instance.

[@2009bigchief]

Yep you are right poor guy got enough problems she more worried about the sign and what people think. Nothing but a dam Hippocratic he better off forgetting about her and moving on cut ties it's for the best trust me I know

[@williensthilaire5191]

When you’re a parent you will understand her frustration

[@UniqueNei]

@@williensthilaire5191 how do you know I'm not?

[@williensthilaire5191]

@@UniqueNei I’m using the same playbook you used on the suffering mother you judged like you can feel her struggle

[@alterbridgefan99]

Wow what Merideth said "You have the pipes but when this lady speaks to you, LISTEN!" that blew me away!

[@hleesmusic]

Imagine being treated like that by your mom and your not on drugs or you are not a criminal. That's my story.

[@thejmr]

same here

[@Nambu.]

Congrats, you must be so successful right

[@adneen02]

God bless him...and bless those who helped him.

[@morenag.7769]

Amen! To that!!🙏🏽

[@tenesemyers6743]

YOU ARE A VERY VERY SICK PERSON

[@adneen02]

@Anthony Rubio yes I heard 😇

[@Draculhitz]

... that "Hi Mommy! Hi Mommy!!" ... hits me hard 😭

[@CindyRizzato]

Awww the way he looks at his Mother at 3:40 ♥

[@579supershadow]

I congratulate everyone who is helping this man. He really has a God given voice and if he does well he should stay away from his mom..... She is too much of a negative influence by reminding him of the shame he had to go through because of the choices he made in life. he is trying really hard to get back together and thinking more about his sobriety than anything else... that to me is very positive thinking... he is not being greedy for $ and accepting everything that comes to him. Good luck

[@nyag1764]

This is so beautiful. I thank you Lord for answered prayers.

[@WayneModz]

Let this be a lesson before you judge people by their conditions. Being homeless is not embarrassing or its not being low. Its normal people that might have made bad decisions in life and the only right thing to do is give that person a chance. You cannot help everyone, but if you help 1 person, thats human enough!

[@JakeGuitarMusic]

You are so right!! Too many people judge based on conditions of other people.

[@lallasultana1037]

What a voice ❤️💐

[@keishaoconnor9160]

What a mother to run from......very fast.

[@farcomstudios9735]

Ted's voice makes my earphones vibrate

[@niadaqueen3988]

I teared up when the reporter asked him to speak - such a beautiful voice

[@quintinmarsters1609]

we never lived in their lives. we never knew what happened only they do. When drugs and alcohol takes control of someone life it causes so much pain to families. It's good he has allowed God back into his life. His mother spoke like a mother. Good to see they are altogether and happy. Beautiful story. The Golden Voice.

[@Thaliva123]

I really like his man... how he looks at his mom at this age ... man... such a loving guy. It’s really sucks to see these kinds of people go through hardships in life. He is so happy man...so much love for everyone... let that man live with love.

[@shrapnelface5978]

His mother seems more concerned about her reputation then to actually help her son. Selfish

[@Horses4life1001]

all the time complaining

[@Thedetoxman]

His mother was religous but faithless... His intuition led him to his own great destiny.

[@blazebrown9102]

The Sign Was The Truth Which Set Him Free❣🎙👏🏽👏🏽🔥🔥

[@xfadeszz]

It's been ages since I've looked up clips on this guy, but wow the amount of absolutely dragging him through him the mud incessantly, repeatedly, over and over says a lot. I don't care how much grief he's caused her over the years, you FINALLY get this chance for a turn-around, the very thing you say you've "prayed to God for" and your whole demeanor is nothing but a miserable old negative woman. Incapable of even one positive thing to say about this scenario. Absolutely can't stand people who are this negative, they're like black holes.

[@janablang]

She was 90 years old here, and she's simply beautiful!

[@psychotherapistmft7927]

Archie your language is awful . it made me crack the fuck up!

[@hiphopjewels]

People are on here commenting about the mother being selfish. I disagree to an extent. She is a church-going woman who raised her son to be an upstanding member of society. You don't know what she's been through, bailing him out of jail or giving him money over the years for drugs an alcohol. She is just being honest that his lifestyle was not something she was proud of. She was really embarrassed at what he was doing. Of course she's happy to see him in recovery "now," but I wouldn't have been proud of a drug addicted alcoholic son either. I think she is proud of who he is today though, which is a different story. This woman does not look 90 years old, but she is. She sees things from the perspective of an older person. Unfortunately, honor and respect of the family meant a lot more to people back in her day than it does today.

[@karenmcgee1869]

Well said! Praying that Ted continues move forward and GOD continues to cover him. Praying his mom's heart is comforted as well.

[@hiphopjewels]

Karen McGee Thanks so much. 😊

[@firesign4297]

She's just an older woman speaking her TRUTH...and his MOM❤.Who's Prayers🙏🙏🙏.. were answered🙏👏👏🙏 she don't mean her son no harm🙏...God Bless Them both🙏🙏

[@johnbacktun]

His mother seems to be more worried about how his family is "disgraces", rather than her sons rise from homelessness. Sad. :(

[@bobojr456]

Great example of why this world needs more LOVE.

[@austinbroussard2474]

Just be happy for him now, stop being like that. You're making your son feel like shit on TV. Just be happy your son is better and that he has his life together. Don't sit there and criticize him.

[@barrysmith8934]

Ted Williams is an amazing story of redemption and it makes me cry time and time again to know its been YEARS and he is STILL clean. And FYI being a smack fiend for years disgraced my family and it had NOTHING to do with my familys pride.

[@gilberthmpahleni7804]

His Mother is Right! Some things We do are Só Unnecessary! Keep on the Straight & Narrow Bró & Áll the Best Kind-Hearted,Witty & GoldenVoice Ted.

[@junejercito5852]

His voice makes my speaker a little bassy... hahaha... love to hear it... God is Great

[@lauralewis6114]

Ted, you are a very intelligent, handsome man. You, Sir, you are Golden. O.K...Mom, be grateful!! Love you, Meridith,

[@farrahcade1876]

Thank God for the man who exsposed him

[@ninan7048]

This is a blessing for him. Im so super happy for him & wish him all the very best. Ppl that constantly put the focus on themselves​ or outward appearance totally miss it. Not one time did she say Im proud of him or anything along those lines. Live for Jesus and yourself. Only God can send the blessing. He showed faith in God no matter how low she felt holding a sign asking for help was.

[@ridwansaed1043]

What ever you think, mother is a mother ❤️❤️😢

[@shamirashamira987]

be blessed you n your mom

[@teriking2237]

addiction is powerful in many ways. i hope and pray he makes it!

[@Cocobrown4u]

You go Ted! I love your spirit x

[@bored1980]

She's 90!? I'm impressed. She's more lucid than me.

[@angellareid7696]

Wow this reminds me of me and my only son as long as I keep praying I know that one day my son will change his life too mom I am so happy for you and your son knowing that changes is on it's way as long as you keep praying mom god will always answer for me this gives me courage to keep praying and have hope that one day god is going to come through for me with my son.

[@lovingatlanta]

own issues. On another note - she looks good for 90 & seems to be well mannered & "put together" so to speak. God bless Ted & keep him from harm & keep him strong to fight the demons that haunt him. Congratulations...Lots of people are proud of you Ted & like you even though you are not "perfect".

[@melthevw]

I guess many people who have voiced issues with his mother's words are just saddened that she couldn't show a little more hope. Yes, it's hard to have faith in someone who has hurt you, but this must be the best break he's had in 20 years so tho she's old school, tho she's 90 odd, tho she's been hurt, an 'I love him and know he's gonna try his best' would've been good for him to hear. Hope he's doing we'll now and that she is finally proud of him if she's still around.

[@genemoore8047]

This is touching.Blessings to them both and all those who made this possible.

[@bigd12ist]

we need that voice on a new sole train Saturday

[@albendacr]

Beautiful history that teaches us that anybody can find true redemption by having will of change and trust in God all the time

[@Thedetoxman]

His mother was religous but faithless... His intuition led him to his own great destiny.

[@TheLlivingllegend]

I am happy for him and her..i understand what she went thru..brother keep strong my love with you you do have a gr8 voice

[@NeonVars]

This has to become a major motion picture sometime in the future. It will motivate those who have fallen to get back up on they're feet and this time, with someone you can always have faith in....God.

[@andrebaardsen870]

You the man Ted. Best wishes for you Into the future.

[@seanhennessy6667]

and why does his mother only accept him when he is successful.

[@tateroblaze744]

Sean Hennessy because when someone is on drugs and won't work there's nothing you can do for them the only thing you can do is give them tough love and hope they pull through

[@seanhennessy6667]

tough love is a bit different than shunning.

[@seanhennessy6667]

tough love is a bit different than shunning. Do you understand the concept of tough love? read the book that spawned the statement before writing a commentary using it as a reference.

[@marypolk9525]

You should love God more how you think you got here. He wash all of us of the face of the earth then who you gone love.!!!!!!

[@bubujooestes1499]

Sean Hennessy Maybe it was difficult to help him because of the booze and drugs but I think if all the family had come together and done an intervention it might have been productive.

[@kathleenfitzsimons3388]

Have to admit each time she spoke I hoped she would say something different but we have not walked in her shoes. I hope they did well since this was first aired.

[@cincinnatihustlers]

the mother needs to give this guy some more credit. shes kinda being a B****. Give this man props for his come up.

[@Celisar1]

How do you „loose“ contact with your mother - and for 20 years?! Hard to imagine how much pain that most likely has caused his mother.

[@chelseafcrocks82]

OH BLESS HIS HEART

[@moniquelovely28]

I completely understand from his mother's point of view. I understand from his point of view. Love will always bring you home.

[@ouldnail8112]

I like so much this wonderful voice

[@TheMasterRhyme]

His Mother is the type of woman who is The Bedrock, the Pillars of this World!!! A Woman!

[@The72Nana]

She is talking as a true mother!

[@technoshark3924]

So much of positivity.Just made my day. God bless you

[@leiamccampbell9238]

this story is so touching, my eyes r filled with tears

[@malimimi68]

just fantastic . . .

[@marklinton9877]

Well done to him, he's got another chance and had the strength to take it...AND the strength to know he'll need help. Whatever anyone thinks of his Mum, his face when she says about her church in Brooklyn... Right there, he knows. Never gonna be perfect. Poor guy

[@Ril014]

A lot you people dont get it lol, the woman is 90 years old shes seen and been through a lot and family pride means a lot to people her age so you shouldnt ridicule her because she thinks of her son as a "disgrace" for being on the streets holding up signs

[@soniapilla5908]

I understand that Julia has been disappointed with the Teds life choices but for god sake show some emotion that your son has returned and is trying hard to change his life.... All I see is a bitter old lady more worried about what others are saying about the situation rather than thanking GOD for the return of her son. I would be holding him close not sitting apart from my son. Voicing to him how much I love him and that I am proud of him. I understand Julia would be tired and on guard of more heart ache but show some compassion for Ted other than yourself.

[@38pistol]

Amen!!

[@Swegaming92]

you don't know what she been through, don't sit on youtube and judging her. you sound like a bitter old lady yourself.

[@soniapilla5908]

likewise....

[@soiriliensthilaire3333]

Sonia Pilla when you a real parents you'll understand not all black peoples lives a life of embarrassment some so proud of their families feel a shame after all hard work to keep their names on high some kids trying to dragging them to the moods

[@Thedetoxman]

His mother was religous but faithless... His intuition led him to his own great destiny.

[@emmamiller7530]

This vid is so touching😭

[@SHAKYloon916]

she looks good for 90 though.

[@girlfabiana]

the old lady had been true a lot of things with her son, don't forget that people. We only see the 'beautiful' thing that happend with Ted, but his mom knows the good and the down sides. So, I don't think the mother is a bad person. She loves her son

[@Razkenya001]

Very humble guy..God Bless you Ted🙏🏽

[@JacobGreenmount]

wow! Teds mother looks really healthy for a 90 year old.

[@FDRstar]

I just teared over and over again. Great story.

[@Benyikoko]

God bless this man with his sweet god loving mother! God is great

[@waterfairy010277]

you know sometimes even if children have parents , they go away because they are ashamed of what they have been doing in their lives...and is just waiting for something that would lift their situation up so they could face their parents again.

[@Kresus7]

Mr Ted is a sign that GOD really exists, God bless you all and the world.

[@EricaGilliam-fe2vy]

As a mother I understood everything ❤

[@sylviegroleau4027]

"My husband was a Jehovah's witness". But she celebrates Christmas. Bless her. Although I cannot judge any sect nor religion, when some of them do not celebrate anything at all because of their religious beliefs (the Holidays ,birthdays, wedding aniversaries etc...) the magic of children eyes during the Holidays is priceless.

[@funkyloonshaun]

Its obvious the guy is genuine....hell hath no fury n awe that!

[@loureenvernon789]

God truly won't give a person more than they can bare! He needs to strengthen up in his life!!

[@pinagare1]

God bless you Ted Williams with many more miracles. Amen!!

[@ITSLIKEARIVER2000]

The fact that he overcame a gazillion years later after all his moms negativity that probably kept it down. wow.

[@cegaspire]

His mom is something else!!! "I go to one of the nicest churches in Brooklyn...and err um..." I love old ladies! They can be so funny! LOLLLL

[@Ashley-ms3py]

This is a 90 year old mother of an addict. She's probably been through so much with him so she will be hesitant to buy into all of this. She's still by his side but part of a mother's job is to be open and honest with you. If she knows who she raised him to be then where he landed would be painful to her.

[@justme2me]

I think the mum is great and honest... no pretensions just because she's on tv!

[@MarieAmicalola]

I wonder if the people who are being so judgmental of the mother have ever dealt with an addict child/parent. It's great Ted appears to have it together now but who knows what that lady went through in the times when he didn't have it together. It's easy to say "forgive" but sometimes depending on the offense and how many times you've had to continue to forgive someone, it takes time. I wish them both well.

[@1242Angel]

Honestly, I would've been embarrased by my mother if I were Ted. Her response is sad, but part of growing up means you gatta toughen up, and have thick skin in spite of what may come out of your aging parent's mouth. I understand she may have felt disappointment when he used drugs and alcohol but that indicated he needed some help. Its great he didn't deny his vocal gift and God used it to bring him out...."Your gift will make room for you" the bible says.

[@MultiMAGICDAN]

oh he seems like a nice guy im glad hes found happiness

[@1haker]

Amazing voice !

[@Kresus7]

color of our skin doesn't matter, be humble that's way better, may God bless this man!

[@TheDarcyDay]

This mother is awful. To put her son down on TV like that ... It's awful. Her attitude most likely contributed to his struggles to stay straight, to have a mother who you can never please.

[@BRBallin1]

Her tough attitude is what must've pushed him to sober up and get his voice career back on track.

[@noreexic]

He was a drunk who didnt take responsibility for his 9 children, just because he's homeless doesnt mean he was a nice guy

[@noreexic]

Kakhi MaryJane He went back into rehab tho

[@alizafar5072]

You must be a child, or just plain ignorant. How are you going to sit there and judge her? You don't know what this woman has had to go through with her son. How many empty promises and how many times she had her hopes up, only for them to be crushed over the years. It's completely understandable that she felt the way she did. It's apparent she loves her son.

[@era4810]

+ali z His mom is a cold bitch. And yes, he probably did wind up so fucked up for so long because of his POS mother who cares more about family honor than supporting her own kid. Fucking BITCH

[@Daveortiz693]

Really great story

[@noahss9048]

Very emotional 😢

[@alizafar5072]

Any of you simple minded, ignorant, cynical people who are judging this woman, ought to be ashamed. You have absolutely no clue what she must have had to go through over the years. How many times she had her hopes shattered, how many empty promises and how many times her pleas ended up falling on deaf ears. The fact is, most of you wouldn't even be able to go through all of that, and still be willing to mend the relationship. If you had your heart stepped on and trampled on repeatedly, you probably wouldn't even give the person another opportunity to hurt you again. Yet she is by his side, wishing him the best, and is their to still support him and give him another chance. Don't act like you are any better...because the fact you are criticizing her, proves you aren't.

[@era4810]

His mom is a bitch. No wonder he wound up so fucked up for so long, because of that raging lunatic mother.

[@era4810]

Cold Julia: Ted, why are you such an embarrassment? All you bring is shame on my family's name. Why don't you take that sign you were holding up and go overdose, you embarrassment.

[@reynaldoponce3645]

Archie Wtf is wrong with your foul mouth, It seems you're the most uneducated one here.

[@MomTheEbayer101]

Ignition Mission Exactly! I’m sure that’s though for any mother to go through.

[@mpumimhlongo9726]

How does her victimization help her son out? It's no longer about her struggles but about her son improving his life which she should supportive and positive about.

[@niadaqueen3988]

His mom makes me sad -- if she's this negative now that he has turned his life around -- I cant imagine what she was like as younger person and he was a little boy.

[@SirCongeniality]

I cried aww sooooo perfect

[@valeriecrabbe9638]

So Judgemental!!!! Thank You Jesus for His Mercy and Grace.

[@savedfaves]

Never never never never never give up. - Winston Churchill

[@abuduljama5851]

That mother is a good mother she had dignity and she always believed her son would reach high status and wouldn't get dismoralised and hold up signs on the street just like any loving mother would think and wish thier children of highly so big respect to that mother

[@2009bigchief]

Good for Fk all she need 2 read about the Hippocratic in the Bible then look in the mirror

[@tshmcog]

definitely some mother son dysfunction. you are not responsible for your mother's emotions are anyone else's for that matter. so screwed up. The guilt trips make me sick. and it is tough to see him still trapped there trying to please someone who will probably never be.

[@bikdali]

God is good always.

[@BooGiMayn71]

ty :D

[@donaldhagelberg868]

Blessings on you Ted. Blessings. And those blessings which you cannot use, hand over to others in need.