Ted Williams Timeline

This is how Ted Williams looked in the early days of 2011 as that first video that went viral. The recovering alcoholic-drug addict, who said he had been sober for more than two years, was carrying a sign saying he'd fallen on hard times but has a God-given gift of voice.

READ MORE: The Ted Williams Story
READ MORE: His Mother Speaks Out

Jan. 5, 2011

Ted Williams appeared on "The Early Show" Jan. 5, 2011, to describe his rise from panhandler to Internet sensation and to discuss his dream of being reunited with his 90-year-old mother who lives in Brooklyn, N.Y., where he was raised.

READ MORE: The Ted Williams Story
READ MORE: His Mother Speaks Out

Jan. 6, 2011

Ted Williams is interviewed after his appearance on the "Today" show in New York, Jan. 6, 2011.

READ MORE: The Ted Williams Story
READ MORE: His Mother Speaks Out

Jan. 8, 2011

Ted Williams and his mother, Julia, on "The Early Show." The two had been reunited the previous afternoon for the first time in 10 years.

SPECIAL SECTION: Eye on Parenting
READ MORE: Williams' Mom: Seeing Him Was Like a Dream

Jan. 9, 2011

Announcer job offerings were pouring in for Ted Williams, described as "the man with the golden voice." Before leaving New York, he did a "Hunger Bowl" spot for Kraft.

READ MORE: The Ted Williams Story
READ MORE: His Mother Speaks Out

Jan. 10, 2011

A disturbance report was made with the Los Angeles police after after Ted Williams, 53, and his daughter got into a heated argument at the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel & Spa. The two were held at the Hollywood police station for less than an hour and they were not arrested, Los Angeles police said. However, the incident gave rise to speculation that Williams had resumed drinking.

Jan. 12, 2011

Dr. Phil McGraw on The Early Show. — CBS

After a one-on-one conversation with Dr. Phil McGraw, Williams admitted to drinking and agreed to enter rehab. His emotional story was aired later that week on McGraw's TV show.

Jan. 24, 2011

Ted Williams left a Texas rehab facility after only two weeks of treatment for his drug and alcohol addictions. The treatment had been provided for him by Dr. Phil McGraw's TV show.