Della Beatrice Howard Robinson is best known as the second wife of legendary American musician Ray Charles, a gifted gospel singer whose own story goes far beyond her famous marriage. Born in 1929, she spent more than two decades by Ray Charles’ side, raising their three sons while quietly building a life defined by faith, resilience, and dignity. Her name rarely appears in headlines, yet her influence on one of music’s greatest icons ran deep. This article explores who Della Beatrice Howard Robinson really was, how she met Ray Charles, and what her life looked like both during and after their marriage.
Bio Table: Della Beatrice Howard Robinson
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Della Beatrice Howard Robinson |
| Also Known As | Bea Robinson |
| Born | 1929, Los Angeles, California, United States |
| Occupation | Gospel singer, homemaker |
| Known For | Second wife of Ray Charles |
| Spouse | Ray Charles (married 1955, divorced 1977) |
| Marriage Duration | 22 years |
| Children | Ray Charles Robinson Jr., David Robinson, Robert Robinson |
| Notable Background | Sang with Cecil Shaw’s church choir before marriage |
| Current Status | Living privately, reportedly around 96 years old as of 2025 |
| Related Media | “The Della B. Robinson Story” (upcoming faith based film) |
Who Was Della Beatrice Howard Robinson?
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson, often called “Bea” by those close to her, was an American gospel singer and homemaker who became Ray Charles’ second wife in 1955. She was born in Los Angeles, California, in 1929, though she grew up on her maternal family’s eighty acre farm and received her early schooling in Richmond before taking on household duties from a young age.
Long before she became known as Ray Charles’ wife, Della had already built a reputation as a talented vocalist. As a teenager, she joined Cecil Shaw’s church choir, performing in churches, concerts, and on the radio. Her powerful voice caught attention wherever she sang, laying the groundwork for a promising musical career of her own.
How Did Della Beatrice Meet Ray Charles?
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson met Ray Charles in Texas in 1954, at a time when his career was just beginning to take off with Atlantic Records. Their connection reportedly formed through their shared love of gospel music, with Ray drawn to her voice and stage presence.
The couple married on 5 April 1955, marking the start of a union that would last 22 years. It was Ray Charles’ second marriage, following a brief first marriage to Eileen Williams that ended without children.
Marriage to Ray Charles: A Life Behind the Spotlight
How Long Were Della and Ray Charles Married?
Della Beatrice and Ray Charles were married for 22 years, from April 1955 until their divorce in 1977. Throughout that time, she stepped back from her own singing ambitions to support her husband’s rapidly growing career and to raise their family.
Life as Ray Charles’ Wife
Being married to one of America’s most celebrated musicians brought fame, but it also brought considerable strain. Ray Charles toured extensively, and his career success came alongside well documented struggles with drug addiction and infidelity. Della managed the household and shielded her children from much of the public scrutiny that came with being married to a global star, all while maintaining a private and dignified public presence.
She is also known to have helped raise a daughter Ray Charles had from a previous relationship, extending her role as a mother figure beyond her own biological children.
Children of Della Beatrice Howard Robinson and Ray Charles
Della and Ray Charles had three sons together during their marriage:
- Ray Charles Robinson Jr., born 25 May 1955, who went on to work as a film producer, actor, and reality television personality
- David Robinson
- Robert Robinson
All three sons were raised primarily by Della, who provided stability at home while Ray Charles pursued his demanding touring and recording schedule.
Why Did Della Beatrice Howard Robinson Divorce Ray Charles?
Della Beatrice filed for divorce from Ray Charles in 1977 after years of strain caused by his addiction and repeated infidelities. Despite the difficulties, reports consistently note that she never spoke negatively about him in public, choosing instead to protect her family’s privacy and preserve her own sense of self respect.
Her decision to end the marriage, rather than remain in a difficult situation, has often been highlighted as an example of quiet strength and self preservation.
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s Life After Ray Charles
Following the divorce, Della Beatrice Howard Robinson largely stepped out of the public eye. She focused on raising her sons and maintaining her privacy, rarely giving interviews or engaging with media about her marriage or her former husband’s fame.
As of 2025, sources indicate she is around 96 years old, having lived a long life largely away from the spotlight that once surrounded her marriage. Her story has recently drawn renewed attention through a planned faith based film, “The Della B. Robinson Story,” which aims to chronicle her journey from gospel singer to Ray Charles’ wife and beyond.
Why Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s Story Matters
Della’s life reflects the experiences of many women who stood beside famous partners while managing family life largely unseen. She represents resilience, sacrifice, and the strength it takes to prioritise personal wellbeing even after decades of marriage.
Her story also offers insight into the personal side of Ray Charles’ life, showing the human cost behind the fame, the music, and the legacy he left behind.
Conclusion
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s life tells a story far richer than her role as Ray Charles’ wife alone. From her early days as a gospel singer to her 22 year marriage and the quiet strength she showed in raising her sons, her journey reflects resilience, faith, and dignity. While Ray Charles’ fame often overshadowed her own contributions, Della’s story continues to gain recognition, reminding readers that behind every public legacy stands a personal one worth remembering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Della Beatrice Howard Robinson?
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson is a gospel singer known as the second wife of musician Ray Charles. They were married from 1955 to 1977 and had three sons together.
How did Della Beatrice Howard Robinson meet Ray Charles?
She met Ray Charles in Texas in 1954, and the pair married the following year on 5 April 1955. Their shared connection to gospel music brought them together.
How many children did Della Beatrice Howard Robinson have with Ray Charles?
Della and Ray Charles had three sons: Ray Charles Robinson Jr., David Robinson, and Robert Robinson. She raised all three primarily on her own while Ray Charles toured.
Why did Della Beatrice Howard Robinson divorce Ray Charles?
She filed for divorce in 1977 after their marriage was strained by his drug addiction and infidelity. She chose to end the marriage rather than continue in a difficult situation.
Is Della Beatrice Howard Robinson still alive?
As of 2025, reports suggest Della Beatrice Howard Robinson is alive and around 96 years old, living a private life away from public attention.
