In an interesting confluence of events turned publicity goldmine, Ted Williams, the famed homeless man with golden pipes, has been hired by Crispin Porter + Bogusky to voice a new Kraft Macaroni & Cheese commercial set to air Sunday during the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl on ESPN.
Of CPB’s choice of Williams, Kraft Spokeswoman Lynne Galia told Advertising Age, “Like many others, Kraft Macaroni & Cheese and our ad agency was moved by Ted Williams’ story. His amazing voice is perfectly suited to our campaign. We were in the middle of making our TV spots and in a unique position to help Ted use his great voice to gain employment.”
Brooklyn native Williams had a career in radio but following boughts with cocaine and alcohol, he went to prison for theft in 1990, lost his home in 1993, was laid off from his job at a Columbus radio station and went to prison again in 2004 for theft and forgery.
Today, things look very different for Williams thanks to that YouTube video from the Columbus Dispatch. Williams, who made an appearance on NBC’s Today Show, said he has offers from many other organizations including ESPN, the NFL, MTV and the Cleveland Caveliers.
A win win for all wouldn’t you say?
