Della Beatrice Howard Robinson, often known as Bea, is best recognized as the second wife of legendary musician Ray Charles, but her life holds a powerful story of resilience, faith, and independence beyond that famous connection. Born in 1929 and raised in difficult circumstances, she grew up with limited education, deep gospel roots, and a strong sense of responsibility that shaped her character. As a gospel singer, devoted mother of three sons, and a woman who faced many personal hardships, Bea built a life defined by courage and perseverance. Her journey offers an important look into the woman behind the music icon, showing a life marked not just by challenges but by remarkable inner strength.
Quick Bio: Della Beatrice Howard Robinson
| Personal Detail | 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 | Former gospel singer |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Famous For | Second wife of Ray Charles |
| Previous Marriages | Two marriages before Ray Charles (both ended in divorce) |
| Marriage to Ray Charles | 1955 – 1977 (22 years) |
| Children | Three sons: Ray Charles Robinson Jr. (1955), David (1958), Robert (1960) |
| Current Residence | Believed to be living in Riverside County, California |
| Estimated Net Worth | Approximately $15 million |
| Known Interests | Gospel music, faith, and family life |
| Personality Traits | Resilient, private, strong, family-oriented |
Early Life and Background
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson was born in 1929 in Los Angeles, California, USA. Her early life was shaped by difficult circumstances, as her parents were not married and separated shortly after her birth. She was raised by her mother on an eighty-acre farm owned by her maternal family, where she learned responsibility from an early age. Growing up during the era of segregation deeply influenced her worldview, teaching her strength, resilience, and the importance of community support. Because she had to help with family responsibilities, Della attended school only until the fourth grade. Despite the hardships, her early years were filled with gospel music, church gatherings, and spiritual songs that became an important part of her identity. These childhood experiences formed the foundation of her future career and the inner strength she carried throughout her life.
Family Roots and Cultural Influences
Born into an African American family in the 1930s, Della grew up during a challenging time marked by racial inequality and limited opportunities. Her maternal family, however, created a supportive environment built on faith, discipline, and strong values. Life on a rural farm taught her the importance of hard work, independence, and emotional resilience. Her family believed in the power of faith and community, values that shaped her personality and guided her through the struggles she later faced in adulthood. These early influences helped build a solid emotional foundation that supported her during her marriage, motherhood, and life challenges.
Education and Early Responsibilities
Della’s formal education ended early, as she left school after the fourth grade to help her mother manage the daily responsibilities of farm life. While she did not receive an extensive academic education, the lessons she learned through hard work and caregiving proved equally valuable. Farm life taught her discipline, patience, and strength — qualities that became essential later as she navigated a complicated marriage and raised three sons. Her early struggles prepared her for a life that required emotional endurance and practical problem-solving, shaping her into a resilient and resourceful woman.
Early Career as a Gospel Singer
As a teenager, Della discovered that music was not only a source of comfort but also a path toward opportunity. Her powerful voice and natural talent led her to join Cecil Shaw’s church choir, where she gained recognition for her expressive gospel singing. She later performed on local radio stations, earning attention within the gospel music community. Her skill and passion suggested a promising career ahead, and music became a spiritual outlet that strengthened her faith. Before marriage changed her path, Della showed the potential to build a successful gospel career of her own.
Della’s Marriages Before Ray Charles
Before meeting Ray Charles, Della had already lived through two marriages, both of which ended in divorce. Her first marriage was abusive, forcing her to flee to New York City in search of safety and a fresh start. These experiences shaped her understanding of love, respect, and personal boundaries. The pain she endured made her stronger and more determined to create a stable and nurturing life in the future. These early relationships taught her what she needed and what she refused to tolerate in a marriage.
Meeting Ray Charles
Della met the rising musician Ray Charles in Houston, Texas, in 1954. At the time, both were deeply connected to music: Ray was climbing toward fame with his unique blend of gospel, jazz, and blues, while Della was gaining respect as a gospel singer. Their shared love of music created an instant bond, and Ray affectionately began calling her “Bea,” a nickname that stayed with her throughout their relationship. Their connection grew quickly, blending personal affection with a strong musical and spiritual foundation.
Marriage to Ray Charles
Della and Ray married on April 5, 1955, in a simple ceremony held in a hotel back room in Dallas, Texas. Their early life together required great strength, as Ray’s career expanded quickly, bringing new pressures and long periods apart. They settled in View Park, California, where Della focused on building a peaceful home environment. The couple became parents to three sons: Ray Charles Robinson Jr. (born 1955), David Robinson (born 1958), and Robert Robinson (born 1960). While Ray traveled extensively for performances, Della worked tirelessly to maintain stability and emotional security for their children. Her commitment to creating a strong family foundation was one of the defining aspects of their marriage.
Who Is Ray Charles?
Ray Charles, born in 1930, was one of the most influential musicians in American history. Blending gospel, blues, jazz, and rhythm and blues, he helped create the sound now known as soul music. Despite losing his sight at a young age, he became a masterful pianist, singer, and performer. Ray earned worldwide recognition with timeless hits such as “Georgia on My Mind,” “Hit the Road Jack,” and “I Can’t Stop Loving You.” His groundbreaking career brought him numerous awards, including multiple Grammys. However, his personal life was often turbulent, marked by drug addiction and complicated relationships, factors that deeply affected his marriage to Della.
Challenges in Marriage
Despite the love and family they shared, Ray’s heroin addiction and frequent extramarital affairs placed a significant strain on the marriage. His long absences due to touring added emotional distance, and Della often found herself managing the household alone. She remained committed to her family for more than two decades, hoping for change and stability. However, the constant emotional pain caused by repeated infidelity eventually became too much to bear. In 1976, after 22 years of marriage, Della made the difficult decision to file for divorce, choosing to protect her well-being and her children’s future.
Motherhood and Raising Three Sons
Della devoted herself to raising her three sons with love, patience, and unwavering dedication. Ray Charles Robinson Jr., born in 1955, grew up during the peak of his father’s fame. David Robinson, born in 1958, and Robert Robinson, born in 1960, also spent much of their childhood with their mother while Ray toured extensively. Della created a nurturing and disciplined home environment, ensuring that her sons had stability even when their father was away. Her role as the primary caregiver shaped the boys’ upbringing and contributed significantly to the emotional balance of the family.
Life After Divorce
Following the divorce, Della chose to live quietly, avoiding public attention and focusing on her family. She dedicated herself to raising her sons and finding peace after years of emotional hardship. Unlike many connected to famous figures, she stayed away from interviews and media coverage. Her life after divorce reflects her desire for healing, privacy, and independence.
Where Is Della Beatrice Howard Robinson Now?
As of 2024, Della is believed to live in Riverside County, California. She continues to value privacy, spending time with her children and grandchildren. After living through years of public scrutiny as Ray’s wife, she now prefers a quiet and peaceful life, far from the spotlight. Her choice shows her desire to protect her personal well-being and maintain a close relationship with her family.
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s Net Worth
Della’s estimated net worth is around $15 million, largely derived from her divorce settlement from Ray Charles. After their separation, she managed her finances discreetly, ensuring long-term stability for herself and her children. Her financial independence is a reflection of her strength and practical decision-making.
Legacy and Impact
Although many people remember Della as Ray Charles’s second wife, her impact extends far beyond that title. Her early contributions to gospel music showed her natural talent, while her commitment to her family demonstrated deep emotional strength. She supported Ray during some of the most important years of his career and provided a stable foundation for their children. Her life story represents resilience, faith, and courage, qualities that continue to inspire those who learn about her.
Conclusion
From her difficult childhood to her years as a gospel singer, devoted mother, and eventually an independent woman, Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s life reflects a journey of strength and perseverance. She is far more than the wife of a music legend; she is a survivor, a woman of faith, and a mother who faced hardship with dignity. Her story reminds us that behind every famous figure stands someone whose resilience helped shape the legacy we admire today.
(FAQs) Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Della Beatrice Howard Robinson?
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson, also known as Bea, is the former gospel singer who became widely known as the second wife of legendary musician Ray Charles. She played an important role in his early life and career while raising their three sons. Her story highlights resilience, faith, and quiet strength beyond her connection to fame.
2. What was Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s early life like?
Della was born in 1929 in Los Angeles and raised by her mother on an eighty-acre family farm after her parents separated. She grew up during segregation, facing many hardships that shaped her strong character. Despite only attending school until the fourth grade, she developed a deep love for gospel music and faith.
3. Did Della Beatrice Howard Robinson have a career before marrying Ray Charles?
Yes, Della was a talented gospel singer in her teenage years. She sang in Cecil Shaw’s church choir and performed on local radio, where her powerful voice gained recognition. Her promising music career, however, shifted toward family life once she married Ray Charles.
4. How did Della Beatrice Howard Robinson meet Ray Charles?
Della met Ray Charles in Houston, Texas, in 1954, when both were involved in the music scene. Their shared passion for gospel and jazz created a natural connection, and Ray affectionately began calling her “Bea.” The two quickly formed a bond that led to marriage the following year.
5. Why did Della and Ray Charles divorce?
Their 22-year marriage faced ongoing strain from Ray’s heroin addiction and repeated extramarital affairs. Della tried for years to keep the family stable, but the emotional toll became overwhelming. In 1976, she made the difficult decision to divorce him to protect her own well-being and her children’s future.
6. How many children does Della Beatrice Howard Robinson have?
Della and Ray Charles had three sons together: Ray Charles Robinson Jr. (born 1955), David Robinson (born 1958), and Robert Robinson (born 1960). Della was their primary caregiver, providing emotional stability and a nurturing home during Ray’s demanding touring schedule.
7. What is Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s net worth?
Her net worth is estimated to be around $15 million, largely from the divorce settlement she received from Ray Charles. She has managed her finances quietly, using them to maintain stability for herself and her children. Her financial independence reflects her practical strength and long-term planning.
8. Where is Della Beatrice Howard Robinson now?
As of 2024, Della is believed to be living a private and peaceful life in Riverside County, California. She remains out of the public eye, spending time with her children and grandchildren. Her preference for privacy reflects her desire for calm after many years connected to a high-profile life.
