Della Beatrice Howard Robinson was an American gospel singer and the second wife of legendary musician Ray Charles Robinson. She is best known for her role as his spouse from 1955 to 1977 and as the mother of their three sons.
Biography of Della Beatrice Howard Robinson
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Della Beatrice Howard Robinson |
| Also Known As | Bea |
| Birth Year | 1929 |
| Birth Place | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Profession | Gospel Singer, Homemaker |
| Famous For | Second wife of Ray Charles |
| Marriage | Married Ray Charles in 1955 |
| Divorce | 1977 |
| Children | Ray Charles Jr., David Robinson, Robert Robinson |
| Net Worth | Estimated around $15 Million (from settlement and assets) |
| Residence | Riverside County, California |
| Current Status | Private life, believed to be alive as of recent public records |
Early Life and Background
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson was born in 1929 in Los Angeles, California, United States. She grew up in a modest setting and was raised largely by her mother after her parents separated when she was young.
Her early education took place in Richmond, where she studied until fourth grade. After this, she took on family responsibilities and focused less on formal schooling.
Music played an important role in her early life. She joined church choirs as a teenager and developed a strong foundation in gospel music. Her participation in church choirs led to singing on local radio and live performances.
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Career as a Gospel Singer
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s professional beginnings were rooted in gospel music. She started singing in Cecil Shaw’s church choir during her teenage years.
Her powerful voice and passion for gospel music brought her recognition in religious and local music circles. She performed in churches, live concerts, and on radio shows.
At one point, she secured a recording deal and released music. However, her career in music was largely overshadowed later by her family life.
Meeting Ray Charles
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson met Ray Charles in Houston, Texas, in 1954. At that time, Charles was rising in the music world with his unique blend of rhythm and blues, jazz, and gospel influences.
The connection between Della and Charles was rooted in shared musical interest and mutual attraction. Their relationship developed naturally, and they began dating.
Marriage to Ray Charles
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson married Ray Charles Robinson on April 5, 1955. Their wedding was simple and intimate rather than elaborate or widely publicized.
Ray Charles affectionately called her “Bea.” She became his second wife and moved into a life shared with one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century.
Family and Children
During their marriage, Della and Ray Charles welcomed three sons:
- Ray Charles Robinson Jr., born May 25, 1955
- David Robinson, born in 1958
- Robert Robinson, born in 1960
Della took on the primary role of raising the children, often while Ray Charles was away performing and touring.
Their family home was in View Park, California, where Della focused on creating stability and care for her sons amid her husband’s demanding career.
Life as Ray Charles’ Wife
Being married to Ray Charles involved public attention and the pressures that came with his fame. Fans and media often associated Della with Charles’ rising success.
While Ray Charles’ career reached new heights, he also dealt with personal struggles such as drug addiction and extramarital relationships. These challenges placed strain on the marriage.
Della supported him through these difficulties, but over time, the pressures became difficult to manage.
Separation and Divorce
After 22 years of marriage, Della Beatrice Howard Robinson and Ray Charles divorced in 1977. The decision came after years of emotional strain from Charles’ substance use and infidelity.
The divorce was finalized quietly and without major public conflict. After the separation, Della chose to live a more private life away from the music industry’s spotlight.
Life After Divorce
Following the divorce from Ray Charles, Della Beatrice Howard Robinson focused on raising her children and living quietly. She did not pursue a high-profile public career or media engagements.
Reports indicate she lived in Riverside County, California, where she enjoyed family life and privacy.
She is believed to still be alive as of 2025 and maintained a relatively private lifestyle in her later years.
Net Worth and Financial Settlement
Information from public sources suggests Della’s net worth is around $15 million. Much of this wealth is linked to the financial settlement she received in the divorce from Ray Charles.
Ray Charles’ personal net worth at the time of his death in 2004 was significantly higher. Della’s portion from their settlement provided financial security for her and her family.
Family and Personal Details
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s family life centered around her role as a mother. She raised her three sons largely on her own while her husband traveled for his music career.
She has been described as a devoted parent who maintained a household focused on stability and care.
Summary of Public Facts
Here is a summary of key factual information about Della Beatrice Howard Robinson:
- Full Name: Della Beatrice Howard Robinson
- Also Known As: Bea
- Born: 1929, Los Angeles, California
- Profession: Gospel singer and homemaker
- Spouse: Ray Charles Robinson (m. 1955; div. 1977)
- Children: Ray Jr., David, Robert
- Net Worth: Approximately $15 million
- Residence: Riverside County, California (later life)
Facts About Her Marriage Timeline
- Year Married: 1955
- Year Divorced: 1977
- Duration of Marriage: 22 years
Known Public Records
Public records verify her marriage to Ray Charles Robinson and the birth of their three children. Her marriage details and family relationships are documented in multiple biographical summaries.
Media and Public Profile
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson did not actively maintain a media presence after her divorce. She avoided celebrity platforms and preferred privacy.
There are no recent official public profiles or interviews with her in mainstream media.
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