All about Della Beatrice Howard Robinson, from gospel singer to Ray Charles' wife

Della Beatrice is a gospel singer best known as Ray Charles' ex-wife. While her marriage to the legendary musician dominates the public's perception of her, Della's story goes beyond that. This article explores all about Della Beatrice Howard Robinson's life.

Key takeaways

• Della Beatrice was born in 1929 in Los Angeles, California.
• She was the second wife of singer Ray Charles. They met in Texas in 1954 and married on 5 April 1955.
• Della had three children with Ray Charles: Ray Jr., David, and Robert.
• Their marriage ended in 1977, and the divorce was attributed to Ray Charles' struggles.

Profile summary

All about Della Beatrice Howard Robinson

Della Beatrice was born in 1929 in Los Angeles, California. She is 96 years old as of 2025. Her parents, who had never married, split shortly after her birth, leaving her to be reared by her mother.

Ray Charles' ex-wife grew up on her maternal family's eighty-acre farm. She had her early education in a local school in Richmond, where she focused on her studies until 4th grade before taking on household responsibilities.

Despite her modest beginnings, Beatrice found refuge in music, notably gospel music, which would eventually become an important part of her career.

A look inside Della Beatrice Howard Robinson's music career

Ray Charles' second wife, Della Robinson, began her professional career as a teenager when she joined Cecil Shaw's church choir. As a member of the choir, she performed in churches, concerts, and on the radio.

Her powerful voice quickly attracted attention. This encounter exposed her to the world of performing and paved the way for her future singing career, finally landing a recording deal and producing many songs. Her songs were made available on compact discs (CDs).

Later, after meeting Ray Charles, she gave up her music career to focus on her family, particularly raising her children.

What is Della Beatrice Howard Robinson's net worth?

According to VoiceThread, the American gospel artist has an alleged net worth of $15 million. She is alleged to have acquired her wealth through her divorce settlement with her ex-husband, Ray Charles.

Ray Charles and Della Robinson's relationship

Della Robinson was married to Ray Charles, an American singer, pianist, and songwriter, as his second wife. They met in Texas in 1954 and got married the following year, on 5 April 1955.

Their marriage lasted 22 years and ended in divorce in 1977. Charles' struggles with substance addiction and extramarital affairs were attributed to the end of their marriage. Here is Della Robinson and Ray Charles' marriage timeline:

1954: Bea Robinson met Ray Charles

Ray Charles first met Della Beatrice Howard Robinson, his second wife, in 1954 in Texas. Ray Charles was a rising star at the time, having just signed with Atlantic Records. Bea Robinson was an accomplished singer herself. They met at a musical performance where she was singing.

1955: They got married

After courting for a year, Ray married Bea Robinson on 5 April 1955. Their marriage occurred at a watershed moment in Ray Charles' career, as his distinct blend of gospel, R&B, jazz, and blues was beginning to receive widespread recognition.

1955: The couple welcomed their first child

On 25 May 1955, Bea and Ray welcomed their first child, Ray Charles Robinson Jr. Robinson Jr. was born just over a month after their wedding on 5 April 1955.

1958: They had their second kid

Bea Robinson and Ray Charles welcomed their second child, David Robinson, in 1958. Ray had already become a great celebrity, recognised for his passionate performances and revolutionary music. Robinson continued to support his job while raising their expanding family.

1960: Robinson and Ray gave birth to their third child

Bea and Ray had their third child, Robert Robinson, in 1960. Throughout his life, Charles had several other kids from various relationships; however, Robert was his third and final child with Bea Robinson.

1977: The couple divorced

Ray Charles and Della Beatrice Howard Robinson ended their 22-year marriage in 1977. Their marriage, which began in 1955, eventually succumbed to tremendous strain from various variables in Ray Charles' life, which included drug use, adulterous affairs on tours, and erratic behaviour.

FAQs

1. Who is Della Beatrice Howard Robinson? She is renowned for being the second wife of iconic jazz and blues musician Ray Charles.
2. Is Bea Robinson a gospel singer? She was a gospel musician before marrying Ray Charles.
3. How old is Della Beatrice Howard Robinson? She was born in 1929 and is 96 years old as of 2025.
4. Is Della Beatrice Howard Robinson still alive? She is still alive. The celebrity wife is believed to be active as of 2025, as there has been no news of her death.
5. What happened to Della Beatrice Howard Robinson? She divorced her husband Charles in 1997 because of his addiction and extramarital affairs.
6. What is Della Beatrice Howard Robinson's net worth? Her net worth is alleged to be $15 million, and her wealth comes from money she received as part of her divorce settlement.
7. Where is Della Robinson now? She allegedly lives in Riverside County and has chosen a quiet life since her publicised marriage to Ray Charles.
8. How many wives did Ray Charles have? He was married twice. His first wife was Eileen Williams, and his second wife was Della Beatrice Howard Robinson.
9. How old are Della Robinson's children? Ray Charles Robinson Jr. (born 25 May 1955, age 70), David Robinson (born 1958, age 67), and Robert Robinson (born 1960, age 65) as of 2025.

You now know all about Della Beatrice Howard Robinson. She is best known as the second wife of Ray Charles, an American singer and songwriter. They were married for 22 years and had three children. Della divorced Ray in 1977 due to his drug use and extramarital affairs.

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Source: YEN.com.gh