Della Beatrice Howard Robinson, often known as Bea, is best remembered as the second wife of legendary musician Ray Charles, but her life story extends far beyond that role. Born in 1929 in Los Angeles, California, she grew up during a time of hardship and racial segregation, learning early lessons in strength, independence, and faith. Before meeting Ray Charles, Della built a modest career as a gospel singer, performing in church choirs and on local radio stations, where her soulful voice gained recognition. Her deep connection to music and faith later shaped her relationship with Ray, whom she married in 1955. Their marriage, which lasted for 22 years, brought both joy and challenges as Della balanced family life with the pressures of fame. After their divorce, she chose a quiet, private life dedicated to her children and personal peace. This article explores Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s early life, marriage, family, challenges, and the quiet strength that defines her legacy.
Quick Bio: Della Beatrice Howard Robinson
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Della Beatrice Howard Robinson |
| Also Known As | Bea Robinson |
| Date of Birth | 1929 |
| Place of Birth | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Age (as of 2024) | 95 years old |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African American |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Education | Attended school until 4th grade |
| Profession | Former Gospel Singer |
| Known For | Second wife of musician Ray Charles |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Spouse | Ray Charles (m. 1955 – div. 1977) |
| Previous Marriages | Two (ended in divorce) |
| Children | 3 sons – Ray Charles Robinson Jr., David Robinson, Robert Robinson |
| Residence | Riverside County, California (believed) |
| Net Worth (Estimated) | Approximately $15 million |
| Famous For | Gospel music background, marriage to Ray Charles |
| Personality Traits | Strong, Private, Faithful, Resilient |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Black (later graying) |
| Height | Approximately 5 ft 5 in (165 cm) |
| Weight | Around 60 kg (132 lbs) |
| Social Media Presence | None – values privacy |
Early Life and Background
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson was born in 1929 in Los Angeles, California, to parents who were never married and separated shortly after her birth. Raised by her hardworking mother on an eighty-acre family farm, Della learned early lessons about resilience, faith, and independence. Life during the 1930s was difficult for African American families, especially in a time marked by racial segregation and limited opportunities. However, her mother’s strong will and the supportive church community helped shape Della’s character. She developed a deep love for gospel music, finding comfort and hope in the spiritual songs sung at local church gatherings. Although she had to leave school after the fourth grade to help on the farm, Della never stopped learning through experience. Her early years taught her the importance of perseverance, humility, and self-reliance—qualities that would later define her both as a singer and as the wife of one of America’s greatest musical legends.
Career as a Gospel Singer
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s love for music began in childhood through the church choirs she attended with her mother. Her powerful voice and passion for gospel soon made her stand out in the local music community. As a young woman, she joined Cecil Shaw’s church choir, where her singing talent drew attention from both congregations and local radio stations. Her performances were known for their emotion and sincerity, allowing her to connect deeply with audiences. Della’s gospel singing was more than a career—it was an expression of her faith and the emotional strength that carried her through life’s hardships. While her early success opened doors for her in the music world, she decided to step away from performing after marrying Ray Charles in 1955. Despite leaving the stage, her connection to gospel music and faith remained strong, continuing to guide her through the many challenges she would later face.
Marriages Before Ray Charles
Before meeting Ray Charles, Della Beatrice Howard Robinson experienced two marriages, both of which ended in divorce. Details about these relationships remain private, but it is known that her first marriage was troubled and abusive, prompting her to move to New York City to start fresh and escape the painful situation. These early experiences tested her emotional resilience but also strengthened her resolve to seek stability and mutual respect in her future relationships. Della’s ability to overcome adversity showed her inner courage and independence. The hardships she endured before meeting Ray Charles helped shape her perspective on love, self-worth, and family, making her both emotionally mature and deeply compassionate when she later became a wife and mother.
Meeting Ray Charles
In 1954, fate brought Della Beatrice Howard Robinson and Ray Charles together in Houston, Texas, when both were actively involved in the music scene. Della was performing gospel music at the time, while Ray was beginning to gain fame as a talented pianist and singer who blended gospel, blues, and jazz. Their shared passion for music and spirituality created an immediate connection. Ray affectionately began calling her “Bea,” a nickname that stayed with her for life. Their relationship blossomed quickly, and on April 5, 1955, they were married in a simple ceremony held in a hotel room in Dallas, Texas. In the early years of their marriage, Della and Ray shared a deep bond based on love, faith, and mutual admiration. Together, they dreamed of building a stable family life, but as Ray’s fame grew, their marriage soon faced the many pressures that come with success and public attention.
Who is Ray Charles?
Ray Charles was an American singer, songwriter, and pianist who became one of the most influential musicians in history. Born on September 23, 1930, in Albany, Georgia, and raised in Florida, he lost his sight at the age of seven due to glaucoma but developed an extraordinary talent for music. Often called the “Genius of Soul,” Ray blended gospel, blues, jazz, and R&B to create a new sound that shaped modern music. Some of his most famous songs include “Georgia on My Mind,” “Hit the Road Jack,” and “I Got a Woman.” Throughout his career, he won 17 Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986. Despite personal struggles with addiction, Ray Charles’s legacy continues to inspire musicians worldwide for his creativity, innovation, and emotional power.
Marriage to Ray Charles (1955–1977)
Della and Ray Charles’s marriage lasted 22 years, from 1955 to 1977, and was marked by both devotion and difficulty. Shortly after their wedding, Della gave birth to their first son, Ray Charles Robinson Jr., followed by David and Robert. The couple settled in View Park, California, where Della focused on creating a loving and stable home while Ray’s music career flourished. As Ray toured extensively, Della managed family affairs, raising their sons with discipline, warmth, and faith. She made the sacrifice of leaving her gospel career to dedicate herself fully to motherhood and supporting her husband’s growing fame. Della’s strength and patience were the foundation of the Charles family during the height of Ray’s success. Despite the challenges that came with being married to a superstar, she remained steadfast and nurturing, embodying the role of a devoted wife and mother while balancing the pressures of fame with grace.
Challenges in the Marriage
Though filled with love, Della and Ray Charles’s marriage was not without its struggles. Ray’s battles with drug addiction and numerous affairs placed heavy emotional strain on their relationship. As Ray’s fame grew, the temptations of the entertainment world led to ongoing infidelity, which deeply hurt Della. She tried to preserve the marriage for the sake of their children, showing immense patience and strength, but the constant cycle of betrayal and addiction became unbearable. Della worked hard to shield her sons from the turmoil and kept their home environment stable despite the pain she faced privately. After years of emotional hardship, she made the difficult decision to file for divorce in 1976, reclaiming her independence after over two decades of marriage. The divorce was finalized in 1977, closing a significant chapter in her life and allowing her to focus on healing, family, and faith.
Della’s Children with Ray Charles
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson and Ray Charles had three sons together, each raised with love and discipline despite their father’s demanding career. Their eldest, Ray Charles Robinson Jr., was born in 1955 and later became an actor, producer, and author, best known for his book You Don’t Know Me: Reflections of My Father, Ray Charles, which offers insight into the family’s life behind the scenes. Their second son, David Robinson, born in 1958, has lived a private life, staying out of the public eye. The youngest, Robert Robinson, born in 1960, also maintains privacy and focuses on family. Della’s devotion as a mother ensured her sons grew up grounded and respectful despite being children of a global music legend. Her dedication to providing stability and emotional support became the cornerstone of her family’s strength, helping them navigate both fame and personal challenges with dignity.
Life After Divorce
After her divorce from Ray Charles in 1977, Della chose to live a quiet, private life away from public attention. She devoted herself to raising her children and later enjoyed time with her grandchildren. Della received an estimated $15 million settlement from the divorce, which provided financial security and allowed her to live comfortably without dependence on the spotlight. Unlike many connected to celebrities, she declined interviews and public appearances, preferring privacy and peace. She never remarried, finding fulfillment in family life and personal faith. Throughout her later years, Della maintained her dignity, staying true to her values of humility, strength, and independence. Her calm, private existence stands in contrast to the chaos of her earlier years, reflecting a woman who found stability and contentment through grace and perseverance.
Legacy and Impact
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s legacy extends far beyond her connection to Ray Charles. Her life represents the quiet strength and endurance of women who support greatness behind the scenes. She was not only a wife and mother but also an accomplished gospel singer who brought comfort and faith to others through her voice. Her influence on Ray’s life and stability during his early career is often acknowledged as one of the factors that helped him grow into a musical icon. Della’s story is also symbolic of the sacrifices women make for family, often unseen and unspoken. Her ability to overcome personal hardship with grace has earned her lasting respect among those who know her story. Della stands as a testament to resilience, faith, and the power of quiet determination in the face of life’s challenges.
Where Is Della Beatrice Howard Robinson Now?
As of 2024, Della Beatrice Howard Robinson is believed to be living a peaceful and private life in Riverside County, California. She avoids public appearances and continues to value the privacy that has defined much of her life. Now in her mid-90s, she spends her time surrounded by her family and grandchildren. Though she no longer speaks publicly, her name continues to be mentioned with admiration and respect. After decades of living in the shadow of fame, Della has found lasting tranquility, reflecting the wisdom and calm that come from a life lived with purpose and resilience.
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s Net Worth
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s net worth is estimated at around $15 million, primarily from her divorce settlement with Ray Charles. This financial stability allowed her to live comfortably without relying on media appearances or public work. While her former husband amassed considerable wealth through his musical career, Della preferred a modest lifestyle that aligned with her values of humility and simplicity. She managed her finances wisely, focusing on providing for her family and maintaining her independence. Unlike many celebrity ex-spouses, she avoided public exposure and continued to live quietly, emphasizing peace over luxury.
Public Perception and Cultural Significance
Over the years, Della Beatrice Howard Robinson has been remembered respectfully as Ray Charles’s most devoted and enduring partner. Though often overshadowed by his fame, her presence in his life was vital to his personal and emotional foundation during his rise to stardom. Biographies, films, and documentaries about Ray Charles often highlight Della’s influence as a stabilizing force who supported him through addiction and fame. She symbolizes the strength of women behind great men, whose sacrifices and patience often go unnoticed. In African American cultural history, Della’s life reflects the experiences of many women who stood with grace and resilience during times of adversity. Her humility, quiet strength, and unwavering devotion have earned her recognition as a powerful yet understated figure in the story of one of music’s greatest legends.
Conclusion
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s life is a story of faith, resilience, and grace. From her humble beginnings on a California farm to her years beside one of the world’s most famous musicians, she faced life’s challenges with dignity and strength. Her early love for gospel music and deep sense of faith guided her through hardship, motherhood, and heartbreak. Even after leaving the public eye, Della continued to inspire through her unwavering values and quiet courage. Today, she is remembered not only as Ray Charles’s wife but as a woman of character and independence who built her life on faith, love, and perseverance. Her story remains a touching example of endurance, integrity, and the quiet power of a woman who stood tall behind a legend.
(FAQs)
1. Who is Della Beatrice Howard Robinson?
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson, often called Bea, is best known as the second wife of music legend Ray Charles. She was also a talented gospel singer before dedicating her life to her family. Beyond her association with Ray Charles, Della is admired for her strength, faith, and resilience throughout her long and inspiring life.
2. When and where was Della Beatrice Howard Robinson born?
She was born in 1929 in Los Angeles, California, during a time when racial segregation made life especially challenging for African Americans. Raised by her mother on a family farm, she grew up with strong values of hard work, faith, and independence. Her early life shaped her enduring spirit and deep connection to gospel music.
3. What was Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s profession?
Before her marriage to Ray Charles, Della worked as a gospel singer and performed in Cecil Shaw’s church choir. Her soulful voice gained local recognition on radio and in churches. Music was both her profession and spiritual refuge, guiding her through life’s struggles.
4. How did Della Beatrice Howard Robinson meet Ray Charles?
Della met Ray Charles in 1954 in Houston, Texas, where both were active in the local music scene. Their shared love for gospel and blues sparked a strong connection. They married the following year, in April 1955, beginning a 22-year union filled with both love and challenges.
5. How many children did Della and Ray Charles have together?
The couple had three sons — Ray Charles Robinson Jr., David Robinson, and Robert Robinson. Della devoted her life to raising them with faith and discipline while Ray focused on his career. Her dedication as a mother helped keep her family grounded despite their father’s fame.
6. Why did Della Beatrice Howard Robinson and Ray Charles divorce?
After 22 years of marriage, Della filed for divorce in 1976 due to Ray’s infidelity and long struggle with drug addiction. Despite her patience and commitment, the emotional strain became overwhelming. The divorce, finalized in 1977, allowed her to reclaim her independence and peace.
7. What is Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s net worth?
Della’s estimated net worth is around $15 million, primarily from her divorce settlement with Ray Charles. She has since lived modestly, valuing privacy and family over luxury. Her wise financial management helped her maintain stability throughout her later years.
8. Where is Della Beatrice Howard Robinson now?
As of 2024, Della is believed to live a quiet life in Riverside County, California. She stays away from public attention, spending time with her children and grandchildren. Her life today reflects the peace, humility, and faith that have defined her journey for nearly a century.
