Della Beatrice Howard Robinson: Unveiling the Life of Ray Charles’ Second Spouse
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson, the second wife of legendary musician Ray Charles, led a life filled with both challenges and triumphs. Ray Charles, an iconic figure in the music industry, was famous for pioneering soul music as a singer, songwriter, and pianist. While his career was widely celebrated, his personal life, especially his relationships with women, garnered significant media attention. His second marriage to Della lasted for 22 years, which was longer than his first marriage, making it a central point in his personal narrative.
In this article, we’ll dive into the life story of Della Beatrice Howard Robinson, exploring her early years, career, and personal challenges.
Understanding Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s Early Life and Background
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson was born in Los Angeles, California, in 1929, and is also affectionately known as Bea. Raised under difficult circumstances, her parents were not married and separated shortly after her birth. While information about her family remains scarce, it is known that Della was raised on an eighty-acre farm belonging to her maternal relatives. Growing up in a rural setting, she experienced a quiet childhood, which stood in stark contrast to the public life she would later lead. Her early years were defined by her mother, who raised her alone, instilling in Della a strong sense of independence. Della attended a school in Richmond until the fourth grade.
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s Musical Beginnings
Della’s career in music started as she joined Cecil Shaw’s church choir, where she honed her skills as a gospel singer. Her powerful voice captured the attention of many, and she was soon performing live and even appearing on the radio. This exposure led to recording deals, allowing her to release several songs. Della’s music began to circulate, and she gained a steady following early in her career. However, after meeting Ray Charles, Della made the choice to step away from music to focus on raising her children, as Ray’s demanding career kept him away from family life.
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s Previous Marriages
Before meeting Ray Charles, Della had been married twice. Both unions ended in divorce, with her first marriage being particularly tumultuous and marked by abuse. To escape the violence, she relocated to New York City for her safety. However, Della has not publicly shared the identities of her previous husbands.
How Della Beatrice Howard Robinson Met Ray Charles
In 1954, Della crossed paths with Ray Charles in Houston, Texas, at a time when she was experiencing success in her music career. The two began dating, and in 1955, they married. Ray affectionately called her Bea.
Life with Ray Charles: Marriage and Family
Della and Ray Charles tied the knot on April 5, 1955, after dating for nearly a year. Their marriage brought both joy and difficulties to Della’s life. The couple had three children together: Ray Charles Robinson Jr., born in May 1955; David Robinson, born in 1958; and Robert Robinson, born in 1960. Their children were raised in View Park, California, with Della managing the household while Ray’s demanding career kept him on the road.
The Breakdown of Their Marriage
Despite their long marriage, Della and Ray faced significant challenges, including Ray’s infidelity and struggles with drug addiction. While Della remained devoted to her family, her husband’s behavior became increasingly difficult to tolerate. In 1976, Della Beatrice Howard Robinson filed for divorce after 22 years of marriage, citing Ray’s behavior as the breaking point.
Ray Charles’ Extramarital Relationships
Ray Charles, prior to his marriage to Della, had been married to Eileen Williams, a beautician, but their union lasted less than a year. Ray’s relationships with women were not limited to his marriages; he had numerous affairs throughout his life. In total, Ray fathered 12 children with 10 different women, including his three children with Della. His other children include Evelyn Robinson, Charles Wayne Hendricks, Sheila Raye Charles, Alexandra Bertrand, and Renee Robinson.
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s Net Worth
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s net worth is estimated to be around $15 million, primarily sourced from her divorce settlement with Ray Charles. Ray’s estate, valued at $75 million at the time of his death in 2004, was largely accumulated from his music career. A significant portion of this wealth was transferred to Della following their divorce.
Life After Divorce
Following her divorce, Della chose to live away from the public eye, focusing on her children and embracing a quieter life. Although she was no longer in the media spotlight, her association with Ray Charles kept her in the public’s mind. Della remained committed to raising her three children in a stable, supportive environment, far from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood.
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s Age and Current Status
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson was born in 1929, which means she will be 95 years old in 2024. She is of African American descent and follows Christianity. As of now, Della lives a private life with her children and grandchildren in Riverside County, California.
Is Della Beatrice Howard Robinson Still Alive?
While there has been no official report of her passing, it is believed that Della is still alive. Her ex-husband, Ray Charles, unfortunately passed away in 2004 due to liver failure.
Key Facts about Della Beatrice Howard Robinson
- Birth and Early Life:
- Della Beatrice Howard Robinson was born in 1929 in Los Angeles, California.
- She was raised on an eighty-acre farm owned by her maternal family and grew up with her mother after her parents separated shortly after her birth.
- Musical Beginnings:
- Della began her career as a gospel singer in Cecil Shaw’s church choir.
- She performed live and appeared on radio, which led to her securing recording deals and gaining early popularity for her powerful voice.
- Marriage to Ray Charles:
- Della Beatrice Howard Robinson married legendary musician Ray Charles in 1955.
- They had three children together: Ray Charles Robinson Jr., David Robinson, and Robert Robinson.
- Their marriage lasted for 22 years, making it Ray Charles’ longest marriage.
- Divorce from Ray Charles:
- Della filed for divorce from Ray Charles in 1976 after enduring his infidelity, drug addiction, and abusive behavior.
- The divorce settlement significantly contributed to Della’s net worth, which is estimated to be $15 million.
- Previous Marriages:
- Before marrying Ray Charles, Della had been married twice, with her first marriage marked by abuse.
- She moved to New York City for safety after her first marriage ended.
- Life After Divorce:
- After divorcing Ray, Della stepped away from the public eye, choosing to live a quiet life focused on raising her children away from media attention.
- She now resides in Riverside County, California, with her children and grandchildren.
- Net Worth:
- Della’s estimated net worth is $15 million, primarily derived from her divorce settlement with Ray Charles.
- Ray Charles’ estate, valued at $75 million at the time of his death, was the source of her financial settlement.
Final Thoughts on Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s Life
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s journey is a testament to her resilience and dedication. From her humble beginnings on a farm to her time as a gospel singer and later as the wife of one of music’s greatest icons, Della’s life has been marked by both hardship and grace. Despite the challenges that came with her marriage to Ray Charles, she remained focused on raising their children and providing them with a stable environment. Today, Della is remembered not only for her connection to Ray Charles but also for her unwavering commitment to her family.
Frequently Asked Questions about Della Beatrice Howard Robinson
1. Who is Della Beatrice Howard Robinson?
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson is the second wife of legendary musician Ray Charles. She is known for her gospel music career and for raising three children with Ray Charles during their 22-year marriage.
2. How old is Della Beatrice Howard Robinson?
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson was born in 1929, making her 95 years old as of 2024.
3. When did Della Beatrice Howard Robinson marry Ray Charles?
Della married Ray Charles on April 5, 1955, after meeting him in 1954. Their marriage lasted for 22 years.
4. How many children did Della Beatrice Howard Robinson have with Ray Charles?
Della and Ray Charles had three children: Ray Charles Robinson Jr. (born in 1955), David Robinson (born in 1958), and Robert Robinson (born in 1960).
5. Why did Della Beatrice Howard Robinson divorce Ray Charles?
Della filed for divorce in 1976 due to Ray Charles’ infidelity, drug addiction, and abusive behavior, which made it impossible for her to continue their marriage.
6. What is Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s net worth?
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s net worth is estimated to be $15 million, primarily from her divorce settlement with Ray Charles.
7. What was Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s career before marrying Ray Charles?
Before marrying Ray, Della had a career as a gospel singer, performing in Cecil Shaw’s church choir and recording songs that gained early recognition.
8. Where does Della Beatrice Howard Robinson live now?
After her divorce from Ray Charles, Della Beatrice Howard Robinson lives a private life in Riverside County, California, with her children and grandchildren.
9. Is Della Beatrice Howard Robinson still alive?
There have been no reports confirming her death, so it is assumed that Della Beatrice Howard Robinson is still alive.
10. How did Della Beatrice Howard Robinson meet Ray Charles?
Della met Ray Charles in 1954 in Houston, Texas, during a time when she was experiencing success as a gospel singer. Their relationship led to marriage in 1955.
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