Ray Charles Robinson Sr. is a name that resonates deeply in the annals of music history, known for his ability to mesmerize audiences with his soulful voice, extraordinary piano skills, and genre-defining songwriting. However, beyond his celebrated career as a pioneering American musician, Charles’s personal life tells an equally compelling story, particularly his complex relationships with several women. Among these, his second marriage to Della Beatrice Howard Robinson stands out, enduring for over twenty years and offering a glimpse into the more private side of this musical legend’s life.
Who Is Della Beatrice Howard Robinson?
While many know Della Beatrice Howard Robinson primarily as the former wife of legendary musician Ray Charles, her own life story is compelling and distinctive. Growing up in a family where her parents were never wed and her father left when she was young, Della’s journey is marked by resilience and a spirit of independence. She carved her own path, building a life defined not just by her association with a famous name but by her personal strength and determination.
Biography Of Della Beatrice Howard Robinson
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson, affectionately called Bea, was born in 1929 in Los Angeles, California.
She was primarily raised by her mother, as her father was largely absent from her life. He had another family and resided in Houston, which meant Bea’s upbringing was shaped by her mother’s efforts and resilience.
Profile Summary
| Attribute | 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, USA |
| Current Residence | United States of America |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Mixed |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Sexuality | Straight |
| Height in Feet | 5’5″ |
| Height in Centimetres | 165 cm |
| Weight in Pounds | 168 lbs |
| Weight in Kilograms | 76 kg |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Ex-Husband | Ray Charles |
| Children | 3 |
| Profession | Singer |
| Net Worth | $15 million |
Age Of Della Beatrice Howard Robinson
Born in 1929, Della Beatrice Howard Robinson has lived for more than 95 years, experiencing an era that stretches across significant historical and cultural shifts from the 20th century well into the 21st century. Her life journey reflects a long span of remarkable personal and societal transformations.
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson: Her Roots And Early Education
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s formative years unfolded on her maternal family’s expansive eighty-acre farm, offering a serene rural setting that would differ greatly from the life she would later lead. Growing up surrounded by the rhythms of farm life, she developed a strong foundation of resilience and perseverance. Her upbringing in this countryside environment shaped her early education and instilled in her the values of hard work and determination that would carry her through her life’s journey.
The Legacy And Family Of Ray Charles
Ray Charles’s impact on music is widely acknowledged, yet his personal life reveals a tapestry of intricate relationships. During his marriage to Della Beatrice Howard Robinson, which lasted six years, Ray was also involved with Margie Hendricks, leading to the birth of Charles Wayne in 1959. His family extended further with children from other relationships: Renee, born in 1961 to Mae Mosley Lyles, and Sheila, born in 1963 to Sandra Jean Betts.
Ray’s family continued to grow with the birth of his second daughter, Reatha, in 1966, and Alexandra, born in 1968 with Mary-Chantal Bertrand. In 1977, he had a son named Vincent with Arlette Kotchounian. This broad family network illustrates the complexity of Ray Charles’s personal life, characterized by numerous relationships and children from various partners.
Who Was Della Beatrice Howard Robinson Married To?
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson was married to the legendary jazz and soul artist Ray Charles.She first crossed paths with Ray in Texas in 1954 when she was in her mid-20s and was already making a name for herself in the gospel music scene. Their initial meetings took place at a hotel, where a connection quickly blossomed into a romantic relationship. After a period of dating, the couple tied the knot on April 5, 1955, in a modest, cluttered room in Dallas, Texas.
Children Of Ray Charles And Della Beatrice Howard Robinson
Ray Charles and Della Beatrice Howard Robinson had three sons together: Ray Charles Jr., David, and Robert. Their firstborn, Ray Jr., arrived in May 1955, just a few months following their wedding.
In the following three years, they welcomed their second and third sons, David and Robert. In addition to his children with Della, Ray Charles fathered several other children with different women, including Evelyn, Charles Wayne Hendricks, Raenee, Sheila Raye Charles, and Alexandra Bertrand.
What Led To The Separation Of Ray Charles And Della Beatrice Howard Robinson?
The dissolution of Ray Charles and Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s marriage was influenced by Ray Charles’s personal challenges, including his battles with substance abuse and multiple extramarital affairs. It has been reported that Charles was involved with several women during their marriage, which contributed to the strain on their relationship and ultimately led to their separation.
Career Overview
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson initially entered the music scene as a relatively obscure gospel singer.Her career began to flourish once she started performing live and on the radio following her involvement with the choir at Cecil Shaw’s church.
She often collaborated with her fellow choir members, taking to stages in both theatres and churches. Beyond her musical endeavors, Della devoted a significant portion of her life to raising her children, given that their father, Ray Charles, was frequently occupied with his demanding music career.
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s Musical Journey
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson embarked on her musical path as a modest gospel singer. Her initial exposure came through live performances and radio broadcasts following her involvement with Cecil Shaw’s church choir. Collaborating with fellow choir members, she performed in a range of venues, including theaters and churches, marking the beginning of her musical career.
Despite her commitment to gospel music, Della skillfully balanced her artistic pursuits with her responsibilities as a mother. Her perseverance and dedication to both her family and her music led to a recording contract and the release of several songs. These achievements were particularly noteworthy given the considerable time she spent raising her children.
Current Status Of Della Beatrice Howard Robinson
As of now, there have been no reports confirming the passing of Della Beatrice Howard Robinson, suggesting she is still living. Following her separation from Ray Charles, she has chosen to remain out of the public eye, leading to a scarcity of recent images and updates about her.
In contrast, Ray Charles, her former husband, passed away on June 10, 2004, due to complications related to liver failure. He was interred on June 18, 2004, at the First African Methodist Episcopal Church in Los Angeles.
A Journey Marked By Resilience
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s life is a testament to perseverance and commitment. From her beginnings in Los Angeles to her career in gospel music and her relationship with Ray Charles, Bea’s journey has been defined by both obstacles and successes. Her capacity to manage these challenges while remaining devoted to her musical passion and family is truly admirable.
Bea’s experiences underscore the resilience needed to face both personal and professional hurdles. Her impact on gospel music and her role as a mother reveal the depth of her character. Although she now leads a private life, her legacy continues to be intertwined with that of the iconic Ray Charles.
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s Estimated Net Worth
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s net worth is estimated to be around $15 million, according to various sources such as News Now Nigeria, Popular Net Worth, and Popular Bio. This wealth largely stems from her divorce settlement with the celebrated musician Ray Charles. At the time of his passing in 2004, Ray Charles had amassed a significant net worth of $75 million, as noted by Celebrity Net Worth. Following the end of their marriage, Della chose to live a more private life, stepping away from the public eye.
FAQs
Q: Who was Della Beatrice Howard Robinson?
A: Della Beatrice Howard Robinson, often referred to as Bea, was the second spouse of the renowned musician Ray Charles. Born in 1929 in Los Angeles, she is celebrated for her resilience and her contributions to gospel music.
Q: When did Della Beatrice Howard Robinson marry Ray Charles?
A: Bea and Ray Charles were married on April 5, 1955, in Dallas, Texas.
Q: How many children did Della Beatrice Howard Robinson and Ray Charles have?
A: Together, Bea and Ray Charles had three sons: Ray Charles Robinson Jr., born in 1955; Robert Charles Robinson, born in 1958; and David Charles Robinson, born in 1960.
Q: What was Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s career like?
A: Bea began her career as a gospel singer, performing both live and on the radio. She gained recognition through her involvement with Cecil Shaw’s church choir and released a number of songs throughout her career.
Q: What led to the separation between Della Beatrice Howard Robinson and Ray Charles?
A: Their marriage encountered serious difficulties due to Ray Charles’s battles with substance abuse and multiple extramarital affairs, which ultimately contributed to their separation.
Q: What is the current status of Della Beatrice Howard Robinson?
A: According to the latest information, Della Beatrice Howard Robinson is believed to still be alive. Following her separation from Ray Charles, she has chosen to lead a private life and has largely remained out of the public spotlight.
Conclusion
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s life story, closely linked with the legacy of Ray Charles, is a remarkable testament to resilience and dedication. From her early days in Los Angeles to her involvement in gospel music and her long-standing marriage to Ray Charles, Bea’s journey is marked by personal fortitude and artistic achievement. Her contributions to gospel music, coupled with her role as a devoted mother, underscore her significant impact despite facing numerous challenges. As she remains out of the public eye, her enduring legacy and considerable net worth serve as a lasting tribute to her strength and influence.
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