Della Beatrice Howard Robinson: Ray Charles’ Second Wife and Her Inspiring Journey

Della Beatrice Howard Robinson, popularly known as Bea, was a great gospel singer and the second wife of Ray Charles. She met the great musician in Texas in the year 1954, where they became lovers and finally married in 1955.

They had three children in the course of their 22-year marriage – no easy marriage, indeed. Della stuck with Ray through his addictions, drug problems, and apparent infidelity. She was more into raising their kids and being there for Ray’s career through it all.

When that marriage ended in divorce in 1977, Della retreated into private life. She gave herself over to her faith and continued to sing gospel music. In her 90s now, this could be the life of Della in very interesting detail: strength, resilience, and graciousness. To many, she was merely Ray Charles’s wife, but her story seems quite something else.

Quick Bio

Who Is Della Beatrice Howard Robinson?

Bea Robinson, otherwise known as Della Beatrice Howard Robinson, is widely recognized as the second wife of Ray Charles. She was born in 1929 in Los Angeles and grew up primarily with her mother.

Prior to meeting Ray, Bea was a good singer of gospel songs. She could sing with several church groups and even at some local functions. In 1954, she met Ray Charles in Texas. The two hit it off instantly, and they got married the following year.

Children of Bea and Ray were:

• Ray Charles Robinson Jr.
• David Robinson
• Robert Robinson

They were married for 22 years in total. Though Ray married other women later in his life, many still regard Bea as the love of his life since she stayed with him when he was not famous.

After her divorce, Bea maintained a low-profile life. Most of her time was spent with her interests, religion, and family. Her story has been mingled with Ray Charles, but she had talents of her own and her own life as well.

Early Life

Della Beatrice Howard Robinson was born in Los Angeles in 1929 but had a very mobile childhood, moving frequently.

She spent a lot of her childhood in Texas and Houston. Later, she relocated to Richmond, where she attended school up until the fourth grade. Life wasn’t exactly easy; Della knew just how to work hard and never give up.

She grew up in a musically enclosed environment; she used to sing gospel songs and was an active participant of the church choirs. It was these experiences that decided her future and her love for music.

Della grew up with her parents teaching her to become strong and kind. These lessons helped her face the challenges that came later in her life.

Career Beginnings

Della’s musical career started with gospel singing. She used to sing along with the Cecil Shaw Singers, one of the popular groups then. Her voice had that tint of emotion, and soon she was a name in the locality.

In the 1950s she sang at churches and local events. Through her songs, she made many people feel touched. At this time she met with Ray Charles at one of the musical occasions in Texas.

While she focused on gospel, she appreciated his talent in jazz and blues. It was music that brought them together, and finally, the affair changed her life forever.

Who Was Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s Ex-husband?

Della married Ray Charles in 1955, shortly after they met in Texas. At the time of their marriage, Ray was a rising music star. Their marriage lasted 22 years but was never free from challenges.

Ray had drug and extra-marital problems, which strained the family. Yet, Della kept on fighting for her family. The other two also left her; she seriously looked after bringing up their three children as Ray was traveling everywhere due to his profession.

He was briefly married first to Eileen Williams and then to Della, who was his second wife and became one of the most important figures in his life, both personally and professionally.

Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s Net Worth

Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s estimated net worth is $15 million. The huge sum likely emanated from the divorce settlement against Ray Charles in 1976.

Della also earned money from her gospel singing career, among others. While her income through music may not have been gigantic, it nonetheless contributed to her wealth.

With financial stability, Della has been living comfortably. She keeps a low profile and does not boast of her revenues; instead, she focuses on her family and her faith.

Social Media

After the divorce, Della just withdrew from the limelight, continued singing gospel music, and got serious with her faith. Della avoided social media and hardly ever spoke publicly about her life.

Her private nature allowed her to live quietly away from the spotlights once shared with Ray. Even though she didn’t share her life over social media, Della’s story has touched many; she is remembered for a life of strength, grace, and dedication to her family.

Future Prospects And Vision

Della is the embodiment of resiliency, for no matter how numerous hurdles she went through, she can still make it through life. She inspires the youth, especially young women, that they shall stand strong and believe in themselves. She continued to live on through her children and grandchildren.

Books, movies, or documentaries may someday show more of Della’s story. Her life helps teach us that it’s about being kind, getting through, and being yourself. In the midst of change, Della Beatrice Howard Robinson has lived with timeless values.