When we think of Ray Charles, we remember his beautiful music and powerful voice. But behind this famous musician was a strong woman who supported him for over 20 years. Her name was Della Beatrice Howard Robinson, and her story is worth knowing.
Personal Info
| Full Name | Della Beatrice Howard Robinson |
|---|---|
| Nickname | Bea |
| Birth Year | 1929 |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Age (2025) | 96 years old |
| Profession | Gospel Singer |
| Famous For | Being Ray Charles’ second wife |
| Marriage to Ray Charles | April 5, 1955 – 1977 |
| Children | Three sons (Ray Jr., David, Robert) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $15 million |
| Current Status | Believed to be alive, living privately |
Early Life and Growing Up
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson was born in 1929 in Los Angeles, California. Her childhood was not easy. Her parents were never married and separated shortly after she was born. Because of this, Della was raised only by her mother.
Growing up, Della lived with her uncle George and her grandmother, called Mama Lee, in Richmond, Texas. They had a small one-bedroom house on ten acres of farmland. Life was simple but good. They grew vegetables and raised animals like chickens and ducks. Even though they did not have much money, they always had enough food to eat.
Della went to school in Richmond until the fourth grade. After that, she moved to Houston to live with her mother. Life with her mother was difficult. They often argued, and Della had to deal with her mother’s late nights and parties.
Finding Her Voice in Music
Even during hard times, Della found comfort in music, especially gospel music. As a teenager, she joined Cecil Shaw’s church choir. This was a turning point in her life. She sang in churches and on the radio. Her voice was strong and full of feeling.
Soon, Della’s talent was noticed. She secured a recording deal and became known in the local music scene. Her face even appeared on album covers. Music gave her hope and a way to express herself. It also led her to meet the man who would change her life forever.
Meeting Ray Charles
In 1954, Della met Ray Charles in Texas. At that time, Ray was a young musician trying to make his mark. He was talented and ambitious, mixing gospel, blues, and jazz in a new and exciting way. Della was not just another fan. She was smart, thoughtful, and strong. Ray was drawn to her calm nature and inner strength.
They fell in love, and on April 5, 1955, they got married. Their wedding was not fancy or glamorous. It was held in a small back room filled with random items, and a woman they did not even know read them their vows. But it was a special moment that marked the beginning of a new chapter.
Ray gave Della a sweet nickname: “Bea.” From that day on, many people called her by this loving name.
Building a Family
Della and Ray did not wait long to start their family. Just one month after their wedding, their first son, Ray Charles Robinson Jr., was born on May 25, 1955. Ray was away performing when his son was born, so Della gave birth alone. This would become a pattern in their marriage.
Over the next few years, they had two more sons: David and Robert. Della loved her children deeply and worked hard to give them a good life. She became a full-time mother, setting aside her singing career to focus on raising her boys.
Meanwhile, Ray’s music career was growing fast. He was becoming famous all over the world. But fame came with a price.
The Struggles of Marriage
At first, life seemed hopeful. But slowly, problems began to appear. Ray struggled with drug addiction, especially heroin. This dangerous habit changed him and put stress on their marriage.
Even worse, Ray had many affairs with other women while he was on tour. He had a six-year affair with Margie Hendrix, one of his backup singers, and they had a son together in 1959. He also had children with other women during his marriage to Della.
Della knew what was happening, and it broke her heart. Still, she tried to keep the family together. She stayed strong for her children and remained loyal to Ray even when he hurt her. But after many years of pain, Della realized she needed to make a difficult choice.
The Courage to Leave
In 1977, after 22 years of marriage, Della filed for divorce. The divorce was attributed to Ray’s drug addiction and unfaithfulness. Walking away was not easy, but Della chose her own peace and dignity over staying in a painful situation.
The divorce settlement gave Della financial security. Her net worth is estimated at around $15 million, which came primarily from the divorce settlement. But more importantly, she gained her freedom.
Life After Ray Charles
After the divorce, Della quietly stepped away from public life. She did not seek attention or give interviews. She moved to Riverside County, California, where she focused on raising her children with love and faith.
Della lived a simple, peaceful life. She spent time with her family, especially her children and grandchildren. She found joy in the quiet moments that fame had taken away from her.
Ray Charles continued his successful music career until his death in 2004 from liver failure. Even though their marriage ended, Della’s three sons stayed connected with their father.
Where Is She Now?
As of 2025, Della Beatrice Howard Robinson is believed to still be alive at 96 years old. She continues to live away from the public eye. She does not use social media or do interviews. She simply enjoys her privacy and the company of her loved ones.
Though we do not hear much about her today, those who know her story remember her as a woman of great strength and grace.
A Woman of Strength
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson may not have been a superstar, but her life tells an important story. She was a talented gospel singer who gave up her dreams to raise a family. She was a loyal wife who stood by her husband through his biggest successes and darkest struggles. And most importantly, she was a brave woman who knew when to walk away.
Della’s story reminds us that not all heroes are famous. Some heroes are mothers, wives, and women who make quiet sacrifices for the people they love. Her strength, dignity, and courage continue to inspire people who learn about her life.
She was more than just “Ray Charles’ wife.” She was Della Beatrice Howard Robinson—a woman who deserved to be remembered for her own story.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who was Della Beatrice Howard Robinson?
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson, also called Bea, was a gospel singer and the second wife of legendary musician Ray Charles. They were married from 1955 to 1977 and had three sons together.
2. How many children did Della have with Ray Charles?
Della had three children with Ray Charles: Ray Charles Robinson Jr. (born 1955), David (born 1958), and Robert (born 1960). She raised them with love and dedication.
3. Why did Della divorce Ray Charles?
Della divorced Ray Charles in 1977 after 22 years of marriage. The main reasons were his drug addiction, especially heroin, and his many affairs with other women during their marriage.
4. Is Della Beatrice Howard Robinson still alive?
Yes, as of 2025, Della is believed to be alive at 96 years old. She lives a quiet, private life away from public attention and does not appear in the media.
5. What was Della’s profession before marriage?
Before marrying Ray Charles, Della was a gospel singer. She sang with Cecil Shaw’s church choir, performed on the radio, and even secured a recording deal. She gave up her singing career to focus on raising her family.
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