Della Beatrice Howard Robinson The Life and Legacy of Ray Charles’ Second Wife

Della Beatrice Howard Robinson A legendary personality in American music, Ray Charles had a profound impact on the jazz, blues, and soul genres. Renowned as one of the greatest artists of all time, he possessed extraordinary abilities as a pianist, lyricist, and singer. But audiences were enthralled not just by his musical brilliance but also by his private life, which attracted a great deal of attention. Throughout his life, Charles, who was well-known for his charisma and connections with women, fathered many children. Despite his complicated love life, he was married twice, with his longest marriage being to Della Beatrice Howard Robinson. Their relationship remains a significant chapter in his personal history.

Wiki/Bio

CategoryDetails
Full NameDella Beatrice Howard Robinson
Date of Birth1929
Place of BirthLos Angeles, California, USA
ParentsInformation about parents is not publicly disclosed; raised by her mother
Early LifeRaised primarily by her mother after her parents’ separation; attended school in Richmond
CareerGospel singer, started in Cecil Shaw’s church choir, performed live and on the radio
Marriage to Ray CharlesMet Ray Charles in 1954; married on April 5, 1955
Children with Ray CharlesRay Charles Jr. (born May 1955), David Robinson, Robert Robinson
DivorceDivorced Ray Charles in 1977 due to his drug addiction and infidelities
Net WorthEstimated at $15 million, primarily from divorce settlement
Current StatusMaintains a low profile post-divorce; limited public information about current whereabouts
Notable FactsWas previously married twice before Ray Charles; Ray Charles’ first marriage was to Eileen Williams

Della Beatrice Howard Robinson The Woman Behind Ray Charles’ Legacy

Born in Los Angeles, California, Della Beatrice Howard Robinson gained notoriety as the second wife of the illustrious Ray Charles. Despite her American birth, very little is known about her early years, including her parents’ names and her family’s history. All that is known about her parents is that they never got married and divorced soon after she was born, leaving her mother to raise her alone.Della’s formal education took place in Richmond, though she left school after the fourth grade. Her story, while closely linked to the iconic musician, stands on its own as a tale of resilience and quiet strength.

Early Life of Della Beatrice Howard Robinson A Glimpse into Her Origins

1929 saw the birth of Della Beatrice Howard Robinson, popularly known as Bea, in Los Angeles, California. Her father wasn’t around for most of her childhood, thus her mother was the one raising her. Bea’s father was absent during her early years because he lived in Houston, Texas, and had another family.This separation shaped Bea’s childhood, with her mother playing the central role in her upbringing.

Della Bea’s Journey as a Gospel Singer and Devoted Mother

Della Beatrice Howard Robinson, known as Della Bea, began her career as a gospel singer, initially gaining recognition within her church community. She joined the choir at Cecil Shaw’s church, where she started performing both live and on the radio. Alongside her fellow choir members, Della took to the stage in various theaters and churches, sharing her talent with wider audiences. Despite her budding career, Della devoted much of her time to raising her children, as their father, Ray Charles, was frequently away due to his demanding music career.

Della Beatrice Howard’s Gospel Singing Career

Della Beatrice Howard Robinson began her career in gospel music as a member of Cecil Shaw’s church choir. She performed both live and on the radio alongside her church bandmates, eventually securing a recording contract that allowed her to produce several songs. Her contributions to the group were significant, and her image graced the covers of their CDs, marking her presence in the gospel music scene.

Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s Marriage to Ray Charles

Della Beatrice Howard Robinson married the legendary jazz musician Ray Charles. They first met in Texas in 1954 when Della was in her mid-20s and enjoying success in her gospel music career. Their relationship began after a few meetings, leading to their marriage on April 5, 1955, in a modest back room in Dallas, Texas.

Despite Ray Charles’s career setbacks and financial challenges, their early marriage was largely pleasant. Ray Charles Robinson Jr., the couple’s first child, was born in May 1955. They welcomed two more sons into their family, David Robinson and Robert Robinson, during the course of the following three years.

The Marital History of Ray Charles and Della Beatrice Howard Robinson

On July 31, 1951, beautician Eileen Williams became Ray Charles’ first wife. They did not have any children together, and their marriage lasted less than a year. On the other hand, Della Beatrice Howard Robinson, Ray’s second wife, had already been married twice before they got together. Despite having been married before, Della has made the decision to withhold information about her previous partners, keeping a large portion of that aspect of her life hidden.

The Reasons Behind Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s Divorce from Ray Charles

Ray Charles and Della Beatrice Howard Robinson got divorced in 1977, partly because of Ray Charles’s continuous drug abuse and adultery. Ray Charles fathered twelve children during his lifetime.His first child, Evelyn, was born in 1949 with Louise Flowers. During his marriage to Della, they had three sons. However, Ray’s extramarital affairs continued, notably with Margie Hendricks, which lasted six years and resulted in the birth of their son, Charles Wayne, in 1959.

In addition to his sons with Della and his affair with Margie, Ray had several other children from different relationships. He had a daughter, Renee, with Mae Mosley Lyles in 1961, and another daughter, Sheila, with Sandra Jean Betts in 1963. Later, he fathered a daughter named Reatha in 1966 and Alexandra in 1968 with Mary-Chantal Bertrand. In 1977, the same year Della divorced him, Ray had a son, Vincent, with Arlette Kotchounian.

Ray Charles and Della Beatrice Howard Robinson A Serendipitous Meeting and Marriage

Ray Charles and Della Beatrice Howard Robinson first crossed paths in Houston, Texas, in 1954. At the time, Della was in her mid-20s and established in her burgeoning music career. Their initial meeting took place in a hotel, and while neither anticipated their encounters would continue, destiny had other plans. The connection between them deepened, leading to a romantic relationship. They formalized their bond with marriage on April 5, 1955, in a setting that was both intimate and unconventional.

Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s Net Worth and Current Status

An estimated $15 million is Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s net worth, much of it comes from the money she received in her divorce from Ray Charles. Renowned musician her ex-husband had amassed substantial riches over his career. According to Celebrity Net Worth, Ray Charles’s net worth was estimated to be $75 million at the time of his death in 2004.

Della Beatrice Howard Robinson has kept a low profile since her divorce, thus not much is known about her present whereabouts or way of life. She has become less public and more reclusive in recent years as the media has turned its attention away from her.

Ray Charles’s Children with Della Beatrice Howard Robinson

During their marriage, Ray Charles and Della Beatrice Howard Robinson had three children together. Ray Charles Jr., their first child, was born in May 1955, shortly after the couple’s marriage. The couple welcomed David and Robert as two additional sons during the ensuing years. The birth of these children, which happened three years after Ray Jr.’s birth, was a pivotal moment in the couple’s family history.

Reasons Behind Ray Charles and Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s Divorce

The dissolution of Ray Charles and Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s marriage was primarily attributed to Ray Charles’s struggles with drug addiction and his extramarital affairs. Reports suggest that Charles’s infidelities extended to multiple relationships, which contributed significantly to the strain on their marriage.

Final Words

Della Beatrice Howard Robinson, the second wife of legendary musician Ray Charles, led a life marked by both public and private challenges. Her early career as a gospel singer showcased her musical talent and set the stage for her later years. Despite her notable contributions and her role as the mother of three of Charles’s children, her marriage was fraught with difficulties due to her husband’s personal struggles. After their divorce, Robinson chose to maintain a low profile, leading a more private life away from the limelight.

Her story reflects the complex interplay between personal hardship and public acclaim, underscoring her resilience and the significant, though often behind-the-scenes, role she played in Ray Charles’s life. Today, while she remains largely out of the public eye, her legacy is intertwined with one of the most influential figures in music history.

FAQ’s

  1. Who is Della Beatrice Howard Robinson?
    Della Beatrice Howard Robinson . Born in Los Angeles, California, she made her mark as a gospel singer before marrying Charles in 1955.
  2. When and where did Della Beatrice Howard Robinson and Ray Charles marry?
    Della Beatrice Howard Robinson and Ray Charles married on April 5, 1955, in a modest setting in Dallas, Texas.
  3. How many children did Della Beatrice Howard Robinson have?
    Della Beatrice Howard Robinson and Ray Charles had three children together: Ray Charles Jr., David, and Robert Robinson.
  4. What was Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s career before her marriage?
    Before marrying Ray Charles, Della Beatrice Howard Robinson was a gospel singer. She performed with Cecil Shaw’s church choir and made several recordings.
  5. What is Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s estimated net worth?
    Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s estimated net worth is $15 million, primarily from her divorce settlement with Ray Charles, who had a substantial fortune.
  6. What has Della Beatrice Howard Robinson been doing since her divorce from Ray Charles?
    Since her divorce, Della Beatrice Howard Robinson has largely stayed out of the public eye, leading a private life away from the media spotlight.
  7. Did Della Beatrice Howard Robinson have any other marriages before or after Ray Charles?
    Yes, Della Beatrice Howard Robinson was married twice before her marriage to Ray Charles. Details about her previous spouses are not widely known.
  8. How did Della Beatrice Howard Robinson How to the music industry?
    Della Beatrice Howard Robinson made contributions to the gospel music scene through her performances and recordings before her marriage to Ray Charles.
  9. Where can I find Knowladg about Della Beatrice Howard Robinson?
    For more information about Della Beatrice Howard Robinson, including her life and career, you can refer to various biographies and articles available online, such as those on reputable websites and biographical platforms.

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