Ray Charles, the iconic jazz and blues artist, left an indelible mark on music history. But behind every great man is an equally remarkable woman, and for Ray, that woman was Della Beatrice Howard Robinson. Known affectionately as Bea, she was more than just Ray Charles’ ex-wife – she was a talented gospel artist in her own right.
Born in Los Angeles, California in 1929, Della’s life intertwined with Ray’s for over two decades, shaping both their personal lives and his illustrious career. From her early days in Cecil Shaw’s church choir to her role as mother to Ray’s children, Della’s story is one of resilience, talent, and the untold influence behind a music legend.
Who is Della Beatrice Howard Robinson?
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson, affectionately known as Bea, was more than just the ex-wife of legendary jazz artist Ray Charles. Born in Los Angeles, California in 1929, she carved her own path in the music industry as a gospel artist. Della’s story is one of resilience, talent, and the challenges of being married to a music icon.
Growing up in a broken home, Della found solace in music. She attended school in Richmond, where her passion for singing blossomed. Little did she know that her gospel music roots would one day intertwine with the soul of American music itself.
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson Profile Summary
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Della Beatrice Howard Robinson |
| Nickname | Bea |
| Born | 1929 |
| Age | 95 years old (as of 2024) |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Current Residence | United States of America (presumed) |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Mixed (primarily African American) |
| Religion | Christianity (presumed) |
| Height | 5’5″ (165 cm) |
| Weight | 168 lbs (76 kg) |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Ex-Husband | Ray Charles Robinson Sr. |
| Marriage Duration | 1955-1977 (22 years) |
| Children | Ray Charles Jr., David, Robert |
| Education | Attended school in Richmond until 4th grade |
| Profession | Gospel Singer |
| Career Highlights | Performed in Cecil Shaw’s church choir |
| Recorded gospel songs | |
| Featured on CD covers | |
| Net Worth | $15 million (estimated post-divorce) |
| Notable Life Events | Met Ray Charles in Houston, Texas in 1954 |
| Married Ray Charles on April 5, 1955 | |
| Filed for divorce in 1977 | |
| Current Status | Believed to be alive, maintaining a private life |
| Legacy | Influential figure in Ray Charles’ life and career |
| Contributed to the gospel music scene | |
| Managed family life during Ray’s rising fame |
A Journey into Music
Della’s journey in music began long before she met Ray Charles. Her powerful voice found its home in Cecil Shaw’s church choir, where she honed her skills as a gospel artist. The church choir became her launching pad, leading to live shows and even recordings that showcased her talent.
Her dedication to gospel music didn’t go unnoticed. Della’s face graced CD covers, and her voice resonated through radios, touching hearts across the nation. This early success in the music industry laid the foundation for her future encounters with one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century.
The Harmonious Duo
When Della’s path crossed with Ray Charles, it wasn’t just a meeting of hearts but a fusion of musical souls. Their shared passion for music created a harmony that extended beyond their personal lives. While Ray was revolutionizing jazz and blues, Della’s gospel influence added depth to their musical conversations.
How many wives did Ray Charles have?
Ray Charles, the legendary musician known for his groundbreaking fusion of jazz, blues, and gospel, was married twice in his lifetime. His marriages were as complex as his music, each playing a unique role in shaping his personal life and career.
Despite his numerous relationships, Ray Charles officially tied the knot only twice. These marriages, particularly his union with Della, significantly influenced his life and music, adding layers to the rich tapestry of his personal biography.
Who was Ray Charles’ first wife?
Before Della entered the picture, Ray Charles was briefly married to Eileen Williams. Their union, which lasted from July 31, 1951, to 1952, was a short-lived chapter in the musician’s life. Eileen, a beautician by profession, shared a whirlwind romance with Ray that ended almost as quickly as it began.
The brevity of this marriage hints at the challenges Ray faced in balancing his burgeoning career with personal commitments. It set the stage for his later, more enduring relationship with Della.
The Short-Lived Union
Ray’s marriage to Eileen was a mere blip in his biography, lasting less than a year. The reasons for their quick separation remain largely private, but it’s clear that Ray’s intense focus on his music and the demands of his rising fame played a role. This experience would later influence his approach to his marriage with Della.
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How did Ray Charles and Della Beatrice Howard Robinson meet?
The fateful encounter between Ray Charles and Della Beatrice Howard Robinson occurred in Houston, Texas in 1954. It was a meeting that would change both their lives forever. Ray, already making waves in the music industry, was captivated by Della’s grace and talent.
Their initial meeting in a hotel was just the beginning. Fate seemed determined to bring them together, as they kept crossing paths. What started as chance encounters soon blossomed into a deep connection, laying the foundation for a relationship that would span over two decades.
A Love Story for the Ages
Their courtship was as unconventional as Ray’s music. Despite the challenges of Ray’s growing fame and the complexities of the music industry, their love flourished. On April 5, 1955, they tied the knot in an intimate ceremony, marking the beginning of a new chapter in both their lives.
How many children did Ray Charles have with Beatrice?
Ray Charles and Della Beatrice Howard Robinson welcomed three sons into their family: Ray Charles Jr., David, and Robert. Their first child, Ray Jr., was born in May 1955, shortly after their wedding. David and Robert followed in the subsequent years, completing their family unit.
Raising children in the spotlight of Ray’s fame presented unique challenges. Della took on the role of primary caregiver, nurturing their sons while Ray’s career demands often kept him on the road. Her strength and dedication as a mother were crucial in providing stability for their family.
Raising a Family in the Spotlight
The Robinsons’ family life was far from typical. With Ray’s fame constantly growing, Della shouldered much of the parenting responsibilities. She strived to create a normal environment for their children, shielding them from the excesses of the entertainment world while ensuring they understood and appreciated their father’s legacy.
What happened to Della Beatrice Howard Robinson?
The story of Della and Ray’s marriage took a turn in 1977 when Della filed for divorce. This decision marked the end of their 22-year union and opened a new chapter in Della’s life. The reasons for their separation were complex, involving Ray’s struggles with addiction and infidelity.
After the divorce, Della chose to step away from the limelight. Unlike many ex-spouses of celebrities, she maintained a low profile, focusing on raising her children and pursuing her own interests away from the public eye.
Why did Ray Charles and Beatrice Howard divorce?
The breakdown of Ray and Della’s marriage was attributed to several factors. Ray’s battle with drug addiction was a significant strain on their relationship. Additionally, his involvement in extramarital affairs, including a relationship with Margie Hendricks, who bore him a son named Charles Wayne, created insurmountable trust issues.
Reports suggest that Ray had affairs with multiple women during his marriage to Della. These challenges, coupled with the pressures of fame and the music industry, ultimately led to the dissolution of their union.
The Breaking Point
The final years of their marriage were marked by tension and heartache. Della’s decision to file for divorce in 1977 was not taken lightly. It was the culmination of years of struggles, disappointments, and the realization that their paths had irrevocably diverged. Despite the pain, Della handled the separation with dignity, prioritizing the well-being of their children.
Is Della Beatrice Howard Robinson still alive?
As of 2024, Della Beatrice Howard Robinson is believed to be alive, though she has maintained a very private life since her divorce from Ray Charles. Now in her mid-90s, Della has successfully stayed out of the public eye, with recent photos or public appearances being extremely rare.
Her choice to lead a private life stands in stark contrast to the years she spent in the limelight as Ray Charles’ wife. This decision has left many fans and music historians curious about her life post-divorce.
A Private Life
Della’s retreat from public life was a conscious choice. After years of being in the shadow of Ray’s fame, she opted for a quieter existence. While speculation about her current whereabouts and activities continues, Della has managed to keep her personal life private, focusing on her family and personal interests away from the scrutiny of the media.
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson Net Worth
Following her divorce from Ray Charles, Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s net worth was estimated at $15 million. This substantial sum came primarily from her divorce settlement with Ray, who had amassed considerable wealth throughout his illustrious career.
The financial arrangement of their divorce reflected the significant role Della played in Ray’s life and career. It’s worth noting that at the time of his death in 2004, Ray Charles’ net worth was estimated at $75 million, indicating the scale of his success in the music industry.
The Divorce Settlement
The details of Della and Ray’s divorce settlement remain largely private. However, the substantial net worth attributed to Della post-divorce suggests that the arrangement recognized her contributions to Ray’s career and their family life. This settlement provided her with financial security and the means to maintain her privacy in the years following their separation.
The Legacy of Della Beatrice Howard Robinson
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s influence on Ray Charles’ career and the music industry as a whole is often understated. Her support during the formative years of Ray’s rise to fame was crucial. As a talented gospel artist herself, she brought musical insight and emotional support to their relationship.
While Ray Charles is remembered as a legendary jazz and blues artist, Della’s role in shaping his personal life and, by extension, his musical journey, cannot be overlooked. Her strength in managing their family life allowed Ray to focus on his career, contributing to his phenomenal success.
More Than Just a Musician’s Wife
Della’s legacy extends beyond her role as Ray Charles’ wife. Her own accomplishments as a gospel singer, though less publicized, contributed to the rich tapestry of American music. Her resilience in facing the challenges of being married to a music icon and her grace in handling their public separation speak volumes about her character.
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FAQs
What happened to Ray Charles’s wife?
Ray Charles’s second wife, Della Beatrice Howard Robinson, divorced him in 1977 due to his infidelity and drug addiction.
What happened to Ray Charles’ wife Eileen?
Ray Charles’s first wife, Eileen Williams, divorced him in 1952 after less than a year of marriage.
How many children did Ray Charles have with his wife, Della Bea?
Ray Charles had three children with Della Beatrice Howard Robinson: Ray Charles Jr., David, and Robert.
Conclusion
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s story is one of quiet strength and unsung influence. From her early days in Cecil Shaw’s church choir to her years as the wife of Ray Charles Robinson Sr., Della played a pivotal role in shaping one of the most significant chapters in American music history.
Her journey from a young gospel singer in Los Angeles to the ex-wife of a music legend is a testament to her resilience and character. While Ray Charles’ music continues to inspire generations, Della’s influence on his life and career remains an essential part of his legacy.
As we reflect on the life of Della Beatrice Howard Robinson, we’re reminded that behind every great artist, there’s often an equally remarkable partner. Her story encourages us to look beyond the spotlight and appreciate the unsung heroes who shape the music we love.
With three years of experience in celebrity blogging, I share insightful content on the world’s most famous personalities through my personal blog, FameRevUp.