Della Beatrice Howard Robinson, often called Bea, is widely known as the second wife of the legendary musician Ray Charles. However, her life story goes far beyond this connection. Born in 1929 in Los Angeles, California, Della grew up in challenging circumstances that shaped her into a strong and independent woman. Her parents were never married and separated shortly after her birth, which meant Della was raised by her mother on an eighty-acre farm owned by her maternal family.
This upbringing during a time of racial segregation instilled in her resilience and a deep connection to her roots. Though she only attended school until the fourth grade, her early years were marked by a love of gospel music, which would later play a significant role in her life. Della’s journey is one of perseverance and grace in the face of hardship.
Quick Bio
| Personal Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Della Beatrice Howard Robinson |
| Also Known As | Bea |
| Date of Birth | 1929 |
| Place of Birth | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African American |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Education | Attended school until 4th grade |
| Occupation | Gospel singer (former) |
| Marital Status | Divorced (second wife of Ray Charles) |
| Previous Marriages | Two (both ended in divorce) |
| Marriage to Ray Charles | 1955 – 1977 (22 years) |
| Children | 3 sons: Ray Charles Jr., David, Robert |
| Current Residence | Riverside County, California (believed) |
| Estimated Net Worth | Approximately $15 million |
| Known For | Second wife of Ray Charles, gospel singer |
Early Life and Background
Della’s childhood was shaped by a mix of hardship and hope. Raised by her mother on the family farm, she learned independence from an early age because her mother was the sole provider. Growing up in the segregated society of the 1930s and 40s, life was far from easy, but music provided a refuge for Della. Gospel songs and church choirs gave her comfort and a way to express herself. Her schooling ended early so she could help with family responsibilities, but her spirit remained strong. This early life built the foundation for her future as a gospel singer and mother, teaching her the values of hard work and faith.
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How Old Is Della Beatrice Howard Robinson?
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson was born in 1929, which makes her about 95 years old in 2024. Despite her advanced age, she is believed to be alive and living a quiet life away from the public eye. Over the years, she has kept her personal life private, focusing on her family and staying out of the spotlight. Her long life reflects her strength and resilience through many challenges and changes.
What Does Della Beatrice Howard Robinson Look Like?
There is very little public information about Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s physical appearance because she has always kept a low profile and stayed away from the media. Unlike her famous ex-husband, Ray Charles, she chose to live privately and did not seek attention for her looks or style. People who know her describe her as humble and graceful, focusing more on her family and personal values than on appearance.
Career as a Gospel Singer
In her teenage years, Della’s love for music led her to join Cecil Shaw’s church choir. Singing in church and on local radio stations, she quickly gained recognition for her powerful voice and heartfelt performances. This exposure helped her secure recording deals and contributed to her rising fame within the gospel music community. Della’s gospel career, though eventually overshadowed by her marriage, was significant because it showed her talent and connection to her faith. However, after marrying Ray Charles, she chose to step back from her career to focus on family life, dedicating herself to raising their children while Ray’s music career demanded much of his time and attention.
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s Marriages Before Ray Charles
Before meeting Ray Charles, Della had experienced two marriages, both ending in divorce. While details about these relationships are scarce, it is known that her first marriage was abusive, which forced her to move to New York City for safety. These difficult experiences tested Della’s strength and shaped her resolve to protect herself and her future family. The challenges she endured early on made her a woman who knew hardship but refused to be broken by it. These experiences also helped her understand the importance of love, respect, and stability in a marriage, lessons that influenced how she approached her relationship with Ray.
Meeting with Ray Charles
Della met Ray Charles in Houston, Texas, in 1954, a time when both were actively involved in music. Ray was beginning to rise as a groundbreaking artist blending gospel, jazz, and blues, while Della was enjoying success as a gospel singer. Their shared love of music and faith created a strong connection. Ray affectionately called her “Bea,” a nickname that stuck. The couple’s relationship quickly grew, and they married on April 5, 1955, in a simple ceremony in the back room of a hotel in Dallas. This union brought together two people with deep musical roots but also introduced Della to the complexities of life beside a rapidly rising star.
Marriage to Ray Charles
Della and Ray’s marriage lasted for 22 years and was filled with both joy and challenges. Shortly after their wedding, their first son, Ray Charles Robinson Jr., was born. Over the next few years, they had two more sons, David and Robert. Della devoted herself to raising their children and managing their home, especially since Ray’s career kept him away for long periods. The family settled in View Park, California, where Della sought to provide a peaceful and nurturing environment despite the pressures that came with Ray’s fame. She stood by Ray during his early struggles, supporting his music and his family even when it was difficult.
Who Is Ray Charles?
Ray Charles was an iconic American musician born in 1930 who changed the face of music by creating a unique style that combined gospel, blues, jazz, and rhythm and blues, helping to pioneer what we now call soul music. Despite losing his sight at a young age, he became a brilliant pianist and singer, known for his powerful voice and emotional performances. Over his long career, Ray recorded many famous songs like “Georgia on My Mind” and “Hit the Road Jack,” earning numerous awards and worldwide fame. While his music inspired millions, his personal life was often complicated, marked by struggles with addiction and difficult relationships. Still, Ray Charles remains a beloved and influential figure in music history.
Challenges in Marriage
Despite their love and family life, Ray Charles’s personal struggles weighed heavily on their marriage. His battle with drug addiction and numerous extramarital affairs caused deep emotional pain for Della. She remained committed to the family for many years, hoping that things would improve, but the strain became unbearable. The infidelity and addiction issues created a painful rift between them. After enduring these challenges for over two decades, Della made the difficult decision to file for divorce in 1976. This move was a step toward reclaiming her independence and prioritizing the well-being of herself and her children. Though painful, it marked a turning point in her life.
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s Children
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson and Ray Charles had three sons together. Their first son, Ray Charles Robinson Jr., was born in 1955, just weeks after their marriage. He grew up in the shadow of his famous father but led his own life away from the public eye. Their second son, David Robinson, was born in 1958. Like his older brother, David kept a relatively private life and was raised mostly out of the spotlight. The youngest son, Robert Robinson, was born in 1960. Throughout their childhood, Della focused on providing a stable and loving home for all three boys, especially during times when Ray’s career required him to be away for long stretches.
Life After Ending Her Marriage
Following the divorce, Della chose to live a quiet, private life away from the media spotlight. Her net worth is estimated at around $15 million, largely from the divorce settlement and Ray Charles’s successful career earnings. While Ray’s life remained in the public eye, Della focused on raising her three sons and maintaining a stable home environment. She avoided public attention and interviews, valuing her privacy above all else. Della’s commitment to her family never wavered, and she dedicated herself to providing her children with the love and support they needed to thrive despite the difficulties they had faced. Her quiet life after divorce reflects her strength and resilience.
Legacy and Impact
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson may be best remembered as Ray Charles’s second wife, but her legacy extends far beyond that title. Her early gospel music career and the sacrifices she made for her family reflect a woman of deep faith and courage. She navigated a life filled with hardship but remained steadfast in her commitment to her children and her own values. Della’s story is one of perseverance, a reminder that behind every public figure are people who face real struggles and make tough choices. Her contributions to gospel music and her strength in the face of adversity continue to inspire those who know her story.
Where Is Della Beatrice Howard Robinson Now?
As of 2024, Della Beatrice Howard Robinson is believed to be living a quiet and private life in Riverside County, California. She stays away from the public and media attention, focusing on spending time with her children and grandchildren. After many years in the spotlight as Ray Charles’s wife, she chose to live peacefully and keep her family life private. Her current life reflects her desire for calm and privacy after facing many challenges earlier.
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Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s Net Worth
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s net worth is estimated to be around $15 million. This amount mainly comes from the divorce settlement she received after ending her marriage with Ray Charles, who was a very successful musician with a net worth of about $75 million at the time of his death. Since their divorce, Della has lived a private life, and her wealth has helped provide stability for her and her family.
Conclusion
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s life is a story of strength, love, and quiet courage. From her early years growing up on a farm to her time as a gospel singer and later as the wife of the famous Ray Charles, she faced many challenges but always stayed strong for her family. Though her marriage had difficulties, especially because of Ray’s personal struggles, Della’s dedication to her children and her ability to overcome hardships show her true character. Today, she lives away from the spotlight, remembered not just as the wife of a music legend but as a resilient woman who built a life of faith, love, and hope.
FAQs About Della Beatrice Howard Robinson
1. Who is Della Beatrice Howard Robinson?
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson is a former gospel singer best known as the second wife of the legendary musician Ray Charles. She is also recognized for her strength and role as a devoted mother.
2. When was Della Beatrice Howard Robinson born?
She was born in 1929 in Los Angeles, California.
3. How many children does Della have?
Della and Ray Charles had three sons together: Ray Charles Robinson Jr., David Robinson, and Robert Robinson.
4. What was Della’s career before marriage?
Before marrying Ray Charles, Della was a gospel singer who performed in church choirs and on the radio.
5. Why did Della and Ray Charles divorce?
Their marriage ended mainly due to Ray Charles’s drug addiction and multiple extramarital affairs, which caused emotional strain in their relationship.
6. What is Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s net worth?
Her net worth is estimated at around $15 million, largely from the divorce settlement with Ray Charles.
7. Is Della Beatrice Howard Robinson still alive?
Yes, as of 2024, Della is believed to be alive and living a private life in Riverside County, California.
