Who Is Della Beatrice Howard Robinson? Know All About Ray Charles Ex-Wife
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson is best known for being the second wife of the iconic jazz and blues musician, Ray Charles. Their marriage, which lasted for more than 20 years, faced numerous challenges, ultimately ending due to Charles’ struggles with infidelity and substance abuse. However, Della’s story goes far beyond her role as Charles’ wife. She carved out her own path, especially through her deep connection to gospel music, where her passion and contributions were significant. Additionally, she embraced her role as a dedicated mother, raising their children with care and commitment, even during difficult times. Her life reflects resilience, strength, and devotion, qualities that have made her an inspiring figure, independent of her famous marriage.
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson Wiki
| Profile Summary | Details |
| Full name | Della Beatrice Howard Robinson |
| Nickname | Bea |
| Gender | Female |
| Year of birth | 1929 |
| Age | 95 years old (as of 2024) |
| Place of birth | Los Angeles, California, U.S.A |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Mixed |
| Religion | Christian |
| Sexuality | Straight |
| Height in feet | 5’5″ |
| Height in centimetres | 165 cm |
| Weight in pounds | 168 lbs |
| Weight in kilograms | 76 kg |
| Hair colour | Black |
| Eye colour | Dark brown |
| Marital status | Divorced |
| Ex-husband | Ray Charles |
| Children | Three |
| Profession | Singer |
| Net worth | $15 million |
Who Is Della Beatrice Howard Robinson?
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson is widely recognized as the second ex-wife of legendary musician Ray Charles. Born in Los Angeles, California, Della’s life has often been linked to her marriage to the iconic artist, yet there is much more to her story. While her birthplace is known, details regarding her early family life, including information about her parents, have largely remained private.
Della, often called “Bea,” became a part of the public eye due to her connection with Ray Charles, but she also pursued her own interests, particularly in gospel music. Her life reflects a balance of navigating the challenges of being married to a famous figure while also maintaining her individuality and personal values. Even though her marriage to Ray Charles eventually ended, her story is more than just a chapter in his life—it is a reflection of her own strength, character, and contributions to the world.
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s Biography
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson, often known as Bea, was born in 1929 in Los Angeles, California, in the United States. Raised mainly by her mother, Bea’s early life was shaped by the absence of her father, who was living with another wife in Houston. Despite this challenge, Bea developed a strong foundation that would carry her through life. Growing up in a single-parent household, she learned resilience and independence at a young age, which later influenced her approach to family and career.
As of 2024, Bea is 95 years old, having been born in 1929. Her long life has been marked by her own achievements, including her work in gospel music, and she remains a figure of strength and dedication. While she gained public attention due to her marriage to Ray Charles, her personal journey and contributions to her family and music are just as significant, making her story one of quiet determination and perseverance.
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson Age
Born in 1929, Della Beatrice Howard Robinson has reached the remarkable age of 95 in 2024.. She holds American nationality and has a diverse ethnic background, with her heritage being primarily rooted in African American ancestry. Throughout her life, she has embodied resilience and grace, managing both her public and private roles with dignity.
Della’s age is a testament to the many decades she has lived through, witnessing significant changes in society and the music industry. While she is widely known for her marriage to Ray Charles, Della’s mixed cultural heritage and life experiences have shaped her identity, contributing to her own unique story. Her life journey highlights her strength, wisdom, and the important legacy she continues to hold within her family and the broader community.
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s Husband
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson was married to the renowned jazz and blues icon, Ray Charles. Their paths crossed in 1954 when Della, in her mid-20s, met Ray in Texas while she was pursuing a successful career in gospel music. The two met at a hotel and gradually developed a relationship after a series of encounters. Their bond grew stronger, and on April 5, 1955, they were married in a modest ceremony in a cluttered back room in Dallas, Texas.
In the early years of their marriage, life was relatively calm, despite the challenges Ray Charles faced as an aspiring musician. At the time, his career had not yet gained traction, and the couple was navigating financial difficulties. However, during this period, their family began to grow. In May 1955, they welcomed their first child, Ray Charles Robinson Jr. Over the next few years, the family expanded further with the birth of two more sons, David Robinson and Robert Robinson.
Despite the early hardships, their marriage thrived for a time, as Della stood by Ray through both personal and professional struggles. Their family life, though not without its challenges, was marked by love and growth during these formative years. Della played an important role, not only as Ray’s wife but also as a supportive mother to their children during a pivotal time in his career.
Ray Charles and Della Beatrice Howard Robinson: A 1950s Love Story
Ray Charles and Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s paths crossed for the first time in 1954 in Houston, Texas. At that time, Della was in her mid-20s and actively pursuing her music career, establishing herself in the industry. Their initial meeting took place in a hotel, where they were introduced but did not expect their encounter to lead to anything significant.
However, circumstances brought them together again, leading to the development of a romantic relationship. Their relationship grew, and on April 5, 1955, they took the step of getting married in a rather unconventional setting. The ceremony took place in a modest, makeshift location, reflecting their unique journey and the informal nature of their initial connection. This marriage marked the beginning of a significant chapter in both of their lives, blending personal and professional aspects in a notable way.
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson Children
Ray Charles and Della Beatrice Howard Robinson shared three children during their marriage. Their first son, Ray Charles Jr., was born in May 1955, just after their wedding. Over the next few years, they expanded their family with the births of their second and third sons, David and Robert. These three sons were central to Della and Ray’s family life during their time together.
However, Ray Charles’ family extended far beyond his children with Della. He fathered several children with other women, including his daughter Evelyn, born from an early relationship with Louise Flowers. He also had a son, Charles Wayne Hendricks, from his long-term affair with singer Margie Hendricks. In addition, Ray had daughters Raenee and Sheila Raye Charles with Mae Mosley Lyles and Sandra Jean Betts, respectively, and another daughter, Alexandra Bertrand, with Mary-Chantal Bertrand.
While Della Beatrice was deeply involved in raising her three sons, Ray’s complex personal life meant that his legacy included many more children, each from different relationships throughout his life. This large extended family is a testament to the intricate web of personal connections that followed Ray Charles alongside his musical success.
What Happened To Della Beatrice Howard Robinson?
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s marriage to Ray Charles came to an end in 1977, largely due to the toll taken by his struggles with drug addiction and his numerous extramarital affairs. These issues strained their relationship to the breaking point, leading Della to file for divorce. During their marriage, the couple had three sons together, contributing to Ray’s large family.
Ray Charles is known to have fathered a total of twelve children. In 1949, his eldest child, Evelyn, was welcomed into the world, born to Louise Flowers.
Throughout his marriage to Della, Ray engaged in multiple affairs, including a long-term relationship with Margie Hendricks, a backup singer in his band. This affair, which lasted for six years, resulted in the birth of their son, Charles Wayne, in 1959. Over the years, Ray had other children outside of his marriage, including a daughter named Renee, born in 1961 to Mae Mosley Lyles, and another daughter, Sheila, born in 1963 to Sandra Jean Betts.
Ray’s pattern of infidelity continued, and by the mid-1960s, he had fathered more children. His daughter, Reatha, was born in 1966, and another daughter, Alexandra, was born in 1968 to Mary-Chantal Bertrand. In 1977, the same year his marriage to Della ended, Ray had a son, Vincent, with Arlette Kotchounian. Despite his immense musical success, Ray Charles’ personal life was marked by complex relationships and a large, extended family. For Della, the divorce allowed her to step away from the challenges brought on by Ray’s personal struggles, focusing on her own life and well-being after years of turbulence in their marriage.
Why Did Ray Charles And Beatrice Howard divorce?
Ray Charles and Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s marriage ended primarily due to Ray’s ongoing battles with drug addiction and his numerous extramarital affairs. The couple faced significant strain from Ray’s substance abuse issues, which severely impacted their relationship. Additionally, Ray’s infidelity played a major role in the dissolution of their marriage.
Reports suggest that Ray Charles was involved with multiple women throughout their marriage, having affairs with at least ten different individuals. This pattern of behavior created a strained and ultimately unsustainable environment for their relationship. The combination of drug-related problems and infidelity proved to be too much for their marriage to withstand, leading to their separation and eventual divorce in 1977.
Charles And Beatrice Howard Life After Divorce
Following her divorce from Ray Charles in 1977, Della Beatrice Howard Robinson chose to step away from the public eye and live a more private life. Her primary focus became her family, particularly raising her children, as she maintained a lower profile in contrast to the years spent in the media spotlight during her marriage. The financial settlement from her divorce, reportedly quite significant, provided her with the stability needed to live comfortably. Her net worth is estimated at around $15 million, much of which is believed to have stemmed from the divorce settlement.
Despite the fame that came with being Ray Charles’ wife and the attention surrounding their highly publicized split, Della has chosen to lead a quieter life since then. The media gradually moved away from focusing on her, leaving limited information available about her current life and whereabouts. This privacy has enabled her to maintain a more peaceful, secluded lifestyle, free from the spotlight that once surrounded her.
Ray Charles’ Legacy And Family
Ray Charles is celebrated for his immense contributions to music, leaving a lasting impact on genres such as jazz, blues, and soul. However, his personal life was equally notable for its complexity, especially when it came to his relationships and growing family. While married to Della for six years, Ray engaged in a romantic affair with singer Margie Hendricks, resulting in the birth of their son, Charles Wayne, in 1959. Throughout his life, Ray fathered several children outside of his marriage, including his daughter Renee with Mae Mosley Lyles in 1961 and another daughter, Sheila, born to Sandra Jean Betts in 1963.
Ray’s extended family continued to grow as his relationships became more complicated. In 1966, he had a daughter named Reatha, and two years later, Alexandra was born to him and Mary-Chantal Bertrand in 1968. By 1977, the same year his marriage to Della ended, Ray welcomed another son, Vincent, with Arlette Kotchounian. Ray Charles’ family life was a reflection of his complicated personal journey, with multiple children born to different women, adding to the complexity of his legacy.
Della’s decision to focus on her personal life and step away from the spotlight contrasts sharply with Ray’s enduring public presence and the complicated web of relationships that defined much of his personal life.
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson Career
Della Bea’s career started in the world of gospel music, where she initially gained recognition as a lesser-known but passionate gospel singer. Her journey in music began when she joined Cecil Shaw’s church choir, where she performed both live and on the radio. The choir experience allowed her to hone her vocal talents, and she often performed with her church bandmates at various local venues, including theatres and churches, bringing gospel music to different audiences.
Despite her potential in gospel music, Della’s life was heavily focused on family. She took on the primary responsibility of raising her children, as her husband, Ray Charles, was frequently away due to the demanding nature of his music career. Della’s role as a mother became her main priority, and she worked hard to ensure her children were well cared for, often single-handedly managing the household while Ray was on tour.
Though her public singing career did not reach the fame of her husband’s, Della’s devotion to gospel music and family shaped her legacy. Balancing both her passion for singing and her duties as a mother made her an integral part of her family’s foundation, even as her husband’s career soared to international fame.
Is Della Beatrice Howard Robinson Still Alive?
As of the latest information available, Della Beatrice Howard Robinson is believed to still be alive. She has chosen to lead a private life following her divorce from Ray Charles, resulting in a scarcity of recent public appearances or updates about her. This low profile has contributed to a lack of current photos or detailed reports regarding her life.
In contrast, Ray Charles, the legendary musician, passed away on June 10, 2004, due to complications related to liver failure. He was laid to rest eight days later, on June 18, 2004, at the First African Methodist Episcopal Church in Los Angeles. Ray Charles left behind an extraordinary legacy in music, highlighted by numerous accolades including eight honorary doctoral degrees, 17 Grammy Awards, the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and the President’s Merit Award. His exceptional contributions to the music industry were further recognized when he received the Polar Music Prize, Sweden’s highest musical honor, awarded by the King and Queen of Sweden.
Charles And Beatrice Howard A Life Of Resilience
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s journey is a testament to resilience and perseverance. From her early years in Los Angeles to her involvement in gospel music and her marriage to Ray Charles, Bea’s life has been marked by both obstacles and victories. Her unwavering dedication to music and family throughout these experiences is truly admirable.
Bea’s story reflects the strength it takes to navigate life’s personal and professional hurdles. Her impact on gospel music and her commitment as a mother show her diverse roles in life. Though she now lives privately, her legacy remains closely connected to the iconic Ray Charles.
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s Net Worth
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s estimated net worth stands at $15 million. This wealth primarily originates from the divorce settlement she received following her separation from Ray Charles. Her financial stability was significantly enhanced by the substantial assets Ray Charles accumulated throughout his illustrious career in music.
Ray Charles, renowned for his profound influence on jazz and blues, had a net worth of $75 million at the time of his passing in 2004, according to Celebrity Net Worth. The considerable sum from the divorce settlement played a crucial role in providing Della with a secure financial future. Her net worth reflects not only the settlement but also her ability to manage her finances effectively after her marriage to the legendary musician.
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FAQs About Della Beatrice Howard Robinson
1. Who is Della Beatrice Howard Robinson?
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson is widely known as the second ex-wife of legendary musician Ray Charles. Born in Los Angeles, California, she is also recognized for her deep involvement in gospel music and her dedication as a mother to her three sons. Though her life is often tied to her marriage to Charles, Della led an independent and resilient life.
2. How old is Della Beatrice Howard Robinson?
Della Beatrice was born in 1929, making her 95 years old as of 2024.
3. How many children did Della Beatrice Howard Robinson have with Ray Charles?
Della and Ray Charles had three sons: Ray Charles Jr., David, and Robert Robinson.
4. Why did Della Beatrice and Ray Charles divorce?
Their marriage ended in 1977, primarily due to Ray Charles’ struggles with drug addiction and multiple extramarital affairs, which placed considerable strain on their relationship.
5. Is Della Beatrice Howard Robinson still alive?
As of the latest available information, Della Beatrice Howard Robinson is believed to be alive, living a private life away from public attention.
Conclusion
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s life reflects strength, resilience, and personal achievement, independent of her high-profile marriage to Ray Charles. While she is often recognized as the ex-wife of a musical legend, Della’s story encompasses her own contributions to gospel music and her dedication as a mother. Despite the challenges she faced, including Charles’ struggles with substance abuse and infidelity, Della remained a figure of quiet perseverance. After her divorce, she stepped out of the public eye to focus on her family, leaving a legacy of resilience that stands apart from her famous marriage.
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