Della Beatrice Howard Robinson, often known simply as Bea, carved a unique path through life as a talented gospel singer and the second wife of the legendary Ray Charles. Born in 1929 in Los Angeles, California, she witnessed an upbringing far from the spotlights but later found herself at the heart of the music world’s most fascinating stories. Her life intertwines with Ray Charles’ rise to fame, yet her own story stands strong beyond their marriage.
Guess what? Della’s personality and resilience make her more than just “Ray Charles’ wife.” She was a dedicated mother to their three children and a pillar who helped hold the family together amid challenges. As you read on, you’ll notice how she managed to balance her professional pursuits with the complexities of her personal life.
Let’s dive in to learn about Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s early years, career journey, major achievements, and much more. Through carefully gathered facts, this blog paints a full picture of her inspiring life beyond the headlines.
Quick Bio
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Della Beatrice Howard Robinson |
| Also Known As | Bea Robinson |
| Date of Birth | 1929 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 96 |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African American |
| Religion | Christian (inferred from gospel background) |
| Height | 5 feet 5 inches (approx.) |
| Weight | 165 lbs (approx.) |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown |
| Skin Color | Black |
| Early Education | Attended school up to 4th grade in Richmond, CA |
| Early Life | Raised by mother on maternal family’s farm |
| Career | Gospel singer, performed in church choirs and radio |
| Marriage | Married Ray Charles (April 5, 1955 – 1977) |
| Children | Ray Charles Robinson Jr., David Robinson, Robert Robinson |
| Net Worth | Approx. $15 million (mainly from divorce settlement) |
| Notable Achievements | Known for gospel singing and influence on Ray Charles’ life |
| Legacy | Respected for resilience, family dedication, and support of Ray Charles’ career |
Early Life and Education
Full Name
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson
Real Name
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson
Date of Birth
She was born in 1929 in Los Angeles, California.
Childhood
Raised primarily by her mother, Della grew up on an eighty-acre farm owned by her maternal family. Life was peaceful yet challenging due to the absence of a father figure. This early experience instilled a sense of independence and strength in young Della.
Family Background
Her parents separated shortly after her birth. The family environment shaped her resolve and preparedness for life’s ups and downs.
School/University
Della attended school in Richmond, California, but only until the fourth grade, after which she took on household responsibilities. Her formal education was brief, but her self-taught lessons from life proved invaluable.
Career Journey
Before Fame
Before crossing paths with Ray Charles, Della made a name for herself as a gospel singer. She participated actively in church choirs and local gospel performances, building her skills in the rich tradition of African-American gospel music.
Early Career
Her early career involved singing in church settings and recording gospel music. Her talent shone in radio concerts and small venues, earning her modest recognition.
Breakthrough
Meeting Ray Charles in 1954 in Texas marked a turning point. Their connection began at a musical event, and soon Della found herself part of the growing world of rhythm and blues through Ray’s influence.
Peak Years
During the late 1950s and early 1960s, while Ray Charles’s career soared, Della devoted herself to supporting his work and raising their three children. She balanced occasional singing with the responsibilities of family life.
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Physical Appearance
Age
As of 2025, Della Beatrice Howard Robinson is 96 years old.
Height
She stands approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall.
Weight
Her weight is noted as around 165 pounds.
Body Measurement
There is no public record of her exact body measurements.
Physical Attributes
She has dark brown hair and black skin, reflecting her African-American heritage.
Major Achievements
Awards
Della herself did not receive mainstream music awards but earned respect in her community for her gospel contributions and family dedication.
Records
No commercial records are specifically attributed solely to her, but her recordings in gospel music remain part of her musical legacy.
Notable Works
Her notable efforts focused on gospel performances and supporting Ray Charles during critical years of his musical innovations.
Contributions
Beyond music, her significant contribution lies in her role as the foundation of a family navigating fame, substance abuse challenges, and public scrutiny.
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Personal Life
Nationality
She is American.
Ethnicity
Della belongs to the African-American ethnic group.
Religion
Though not explicitly stated, her deep involvement in gospel music suggests a Christian faith.
Relationships
She married Ray Charles on April 5, 1955. They had a 22-year marriage ending in divorce in 1977 due to Ray’s struggles with addiction and infidelity.
Net Worth
Her estimated net worth is approximately $15 million, primarily from the divorce settlement.
Hobbies
Her hobbies include singing gospel songs and engaging in family activities. She prefers a private lifestyle post-divorce.
Social Media Presence
Della maintains a very low profile online, with minimal social media presence, reflecting her preference for privacy.
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Interesting Facts
- She met Ray Charles in Texas in 1954 during a musical event.
- Their wedding took place in a modest setting in Dallas on April 5, 1955.
- Their first child, Ray Charles Robinson Jr., was born just weeks after their wedding.
- She was often called “Bea” by family and friends.
- Despite the challenges, Della focused heavily on her children’s education and discipline.
- She managed to keep life relatively normal amid Ray Charles’ growing fame and personal challenges.
- Della’s music career, mainly gospel, was largely overshadowed by her husband’s success but remains respected in gospel circles.
Legacy or Influence
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s story inspires anyone facing life’s unpredictability. Her resilience, dedication to her family, and contributions to gospel music highlight a woman who stood strong behind one of the greatest musicians America has ever known. People admire her strength as she faced personal hardship with grace, serving as both a supporter and guardian of her family’s legacy.
FAQs
Who was Della Beatrice Howard Robinson?
She was a gospel singer and Ray Charles’ second wife.
When did she marry Ray Charles?
They married on April 5, 1955.
How many children did they have?
They had three children together.
Why did their marriage end?
Their marriage ended due to Ray Charles’ struggles with addiction and infidelity in 1977.
Is Della Beatrice Howard Robinson still alive?
Yes, she is alive and 96 years old as of 2025.
Conclusion
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson lived a life full of challenges and achievements beyond being Ray Charles’ wife. Her early devotion to gospel music and unwavering commitment to her family paint a vivid picture of resilience and love. You’ll notice her story reflects strength in the face of hardship and grace under pressure.
Her legacy is one of quiet influence, balancing personal ambition with family loyalty. Feel free to comment below if you have thoughts or want to share other stories about iconic figures behind the scenes.
Read more about Della Beatrice Howard Robinson on IMDb Profile
