Who is Della Beatrice Howard Robinson?
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson, often affectionately known as Bea, is best known as the second wife of the legendary American soul musician Ray Charles. Born in Los Angeles, California, in 1929, she rose to early fame through her own gospel singing career, but it was her 22-year-long marriage to Charles that brought her into the public spotlight.
Raised on an 80-acre farm owned by her maternal family, Della’s early life was marked by simplicity and independence. Her parents were never married and separated shortly after her birth, leaving her mother as the sole caregiver. These formative years instilled in her a sense of strength that would carry her through the many chapters of her life.
Early Life and Education
Della’s upbringing on the family farm gave her a peaceful and grounded childhood. Despite the emotional and financial challenges of being raised by a single mother, she maintained a quiet resilience. She attended school in Richmond up to the fourth grade, and from a young age, she began to express herself through music—particularly gospel singing in church.
A Budding Gospel Career
Della’s musical talent first found expression in the church choir under the direction of Cecil Shaw. She not only performed live but also appeared on radio broadcasts, gaining attention for her powerful and soulful voice. Her recordings even made it onto compact discs—a notable accomplishment at the time.
However, her rising career took a back seat when she met Ray Charles. She stepped away from the stage to focus on her growing family, devoting herself entirely to motherhood due to Ray’s demanding schedule and prolonged absences.
Previous Marriages
Before her marriage to Ray Charles, Della had already experienced the hardships of two failed marriages. Her first marriage was reportedly abusive, forcing her to flee to New York for safety. She has remained private about the identities of her former spouses, choosing not to publicly disclose these painful chapters.
Meeting Ray Charles
Della met Ray Charles in 1954 in Houston, Texas, during the peak of her gospel career. The chemistry between them was instant. Ray, who later nicknamed her “Bea,” was captivated, and the two began dating. Their connection led to marriage the following year.
Married Life with Ray Charles
Della and Ray were married on 5 April 1955. Their union brought both deep love and intense challenges. Together, they had three sons:
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Ray Charles Robinson Jr. (born 1955)
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David Robinson (born 1958)
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Robert Robinson (born 1960)
The family settled in View Park, California, where Della took charge of raising their children while Ray pursued his international music career.
Though their marriage had bright moments, it was often marred by Ray’s infidelity and drug use. Despite this, Della remained committed for over two decades, focusing on the wellbeing of her children.
The Divorce
In 1976, after 22 years of marriage, Della filed for divorce. Her decision followed years of coping with Ray’s drug addiction, extramarital affairs, and emotional strain. Her patience had reached its limit, and she made the choice to prioritise her children’s stability and her own peace.
Ray Charles’ Other Relationships
Della was Ray’s second wife; his first marriage to Eileen Williams, a beautician, lasted less than a year. Beyond his marriage to Della, Ray fathered 12 children with 10 different women, including:
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Evelyn Robinson
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Charles Wayne Hendricks
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Sheila Raye Charles
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Alexandra Bertrand
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Renee Robinson
These extramarital affairs were a significant source of tension during Ray’s marriage to Della, eventually contributing to its downfall.
Life After Divorce
After her divorce, Della chose a private life far from the media’s gaze. Despite her association with a global music icon, she focused on raising her children and maintaining a quiet household in Riverside County, California. Her dignity and discretion during and after the marriage earned her immense respect.
Net Worth
As of recent estimates, Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s net worth stands at approximately £12 million (around $15 million). This wealth primarily stems from her divorce settlement with Ray Charles, whose estate was valued at around £60 million at the time of his death in 2004.
Current Life and Legacy
As of 2024, Della is 95 years old and believed to be living peacefully with her children and grandchildren. Though she has avoided public appearances, her legacy as a strong, devoted mother and a dignified former spouse lives on.
There are no public records confirming her passing, and it is widely believed that she is still alive. Her former husband, Ray Charles, sadly passed away on 10 June 2004 due to liver failure.
Conclusion
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s life is a testament to strength, grace, and perseverance. From her early days on a quiet farm to her life with Ray Charles, and finally to her private years as a devoted mother and grandmother, her story reflects resilience and integrity.
While many remember her as the second wife of Ray Charles, she has carved out her own identity—one built on compassion, determination, and quiet influence. Della Bea remains a symbol of unwavering motherhood and self-respect in the face of adversity.
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