The “Golden Voice’s” Checkered Past Emerges

Ohio — A homeless man whose deep, velvety voice and touching story prompted an outpouring of sympathy and job offers from across the country, has become an overnight sensation.

But as Williams’ star rises, a picture is also emerging of the checkered past that left him a homeless felon, estranged from his family and addicted to crack cocaine.

On Thursday, Williams, who was living in a tent near a highway in Columbus, Ohio just days ago, was in his hometown of New York for an emotional reunion with his 90-year-old mother, media appearances, and to do some commercial voiceover work.

In his first national television interview Wednesday with CBS’ “The Early Show,” Williams said “Oh my God it’s just sensational for one [thing], it’s numbing for another, overwhelming, I mean there’s just so many words. It’s amazing, well, I feel like, I’ve already been characterized as Susan Boyle, you know.”