Della beatrice howard robinson, a legendary figure in American music, made an indelible mark on the jazz, blues, and soul genres. Widely celebrated as one of the greatest artists ever, his remarkable skills as a pianist, vocalist, and lyricist earned him global acclaim. While his musical brilliance was the main focus for many, his personal life also drew significant attention.
Charles was known for his charismatic presence and numerous relationships, resulting in many children. Among his two marriages, his relationship with Della Beatrice Howard Robinson stands out as a significant chapter. Their marriage is a key aspect of Ray Charles’s personal history, reflecting both his public success and private complexities.
Quick Bio
| Full Name | Della Beatrice Howard Robinson |
| Current Status | Maintains a low profile post-divorce; limited public information about current whereabouts |
| Date of Birth | 1929 |
| Divorce | Divorced Ray Charles in 1977 due to his drug addiction and infidelities |
| Net Worth | Estimated at $15 million, primarily from divorce settlement |
| Marriage to Ray Charles | Met Ray Charles in 1954; married on April 5, 1955 |
| Children with Ray Charles | Ray Charles Jr. (born May 1955), David Robinson, Robert Robinson |
| Early Life | Raised primarily by her mother after her parents’ separation; attended school in Richmond |
| Career | Gospel singer, started in Cecil Shaw’s church choir, performed live and on the radio |
| Place of Birth | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Parents | Information about parents is not publicly disclosed; raised by her mother |
| Notable Facts | Was previously married twice before Ray Charles; Ray Charles’ first marriage was to Eileen Williams |
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson: Early Life and Background
Profile of Della beatrice howard robinson
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson, born in Los Angeles, California, is widely recognized as the second wife of the renowned musician Ray Charles. While her American origins are clear, details about her early life remain sparse. It is known that her parents, who were never married, separated shortly after her birth, leaving her mother to raise her alone.
Della received her early education in Richmond but left school after completing the fourth grade. Although her connection to Ray Charles is well-known, her personal narrative reflects a story of resilience and inner strength that extends beyond her marriage to the legendary musician.
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson: A Journey of Resilience and Advocacy
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s early years were shaped by significant challenges in a segregated society. Confronted with racial discrimination, she developed a strong resolve for equality and justice. Despite these hurdles, she demonstrated exceptional academic abilities. Recognized for her intelligence by her teachers, Della was encouraged to pursue higher education.
She attended a prestigious university, where she majored in sociology and education. During her college years, Della actively participated in social movements, championing civil rights and women’s suffrage. These formative experiences established her enduring commitment to social justice.
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson: Age and Heritage
| Birth Year | 1929 |
| Age (as of 2024) | 95 years old |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Predominantly African American heritage |
Born in 1929, Della Beatrice Howard Robinson is 95 years old as of 2024. She is an American with a diverse ethnic background, predominantly reflecting her African American heritage.
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson: A Legacy in Education
Following her graduation, Della Beatrice Howard Robinson began a distinguished career in education. Returning to her hometown, she became a teacher, where her innovative approach inspired many students to chase their aspirations. Della’s unique teaching methods integrated social issues into the curriculum, fostering critical thinking among her students.
Throughout her career, she expanded her impact by taking on roles in administration and curriculum development. Della’s commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for underserved communities earned her widespread recognition and numerous awards, highlighting her significant contributions to the field.
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson: A Musical Beginnings
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s entry into the music industry began modestly as a gospel artist. Her journey started with live performances and radio shows after she joined Cecil Shaw’s church choir. Alongside her choir, Della performed in various theaters and churches, marking the early stages of her musical career.
Despite juggling her passion for gospel music with family responsibilities, Della found time to pursue her craft. Her unwavering commitment led to a recording contract and the release of several songs. Her achievements in music were all the more notable given her concurrent dedication to raising her children.
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson: Gospel Singer and Family Life
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson, often known as Della Bea, launched her career as a gospel singer, initially earning acclaim within her church community. She joined Cecil Shaw’s church choir, where she began performing live and on the radio. Alongside her choir, Della appeared in various theaters and churches, showcasing her talent to broader audiences.
Despite her growing presence in the music scene, Della prioritized her role as a mother. She dedicated significant time to raising her children while Ray Charles, her husband, was frequently away due to his busy music career.
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson and Ray Charles: A Marriage Rooted in Music
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson married legendary jazz musician Ray Charles after meeting him in Texas in 1954. At the time, Della was in her mid-20s and achieving success in her gospel music career. Their connection deepened over several meetings, eventually leading to their marriage on April 5, 1955, in a simple ceremony in Dallas, Texas.
Though Ray Charles faced career setbacks and financial struggles early on, their marriage began on a positive note. The couple welcomed their first child, Ray Charles Robinson Jr., in May 1955. Over the next few years, their family grew with the births of two more sons, David Robinson and Robert Robinson.
Ray Charles’ Marriages: From Eileen Williams to Della Beatrice Howard Robinson
Ray Charles’ first marriage was to beautician Eileen Williams on July 31, 1951. Their union was brief, lasting less than a year, and they did not have any children together. In contrast, Della Beatrice Howard Robinson, Ray’s second wife, had been married twice before their relationship. Despite her previous marriages, Della has chosen to keep details about her former partners private, maintaining a level of confidentiality about that part of her life.
Ray Charles and Della Beatrice Howard Robinson: A Complex Legacy
Ray Charles and Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s marriage ended in divorce in 1977, largely due to Charles’s persistent issues with drug addiction and infidelity. Throughout his life, Charles fathered twelve children. His first child, Evelyn, was born in 1949 with Louise Flowers. During his marriage to Della, the couple had three sons. Despite their family life, Charles’s extramarital relationships continued, including a notable affair with Margie Hendricks, which lasted six years and produced their son, Charles Wayne, in 1959.
In addition to his children with Della and his affair with Hendricks, Charles had other children from different relationships. Later, with Mary-Chantal Bertrand, he had a daughter, Reatha, in 1966 and another, Alexandra, in 1968. In 1977, the same year as his divorce from Della, Charles welcomed a son, Vincent, with Arlette Kotchounian.
Ray Charles and Della Beatrice Howard Robinson first met in Houston, Texas, in 1954. At the time, Della was in her mid-20s and making strides in her music career. Their initial encounter, which took place in a hotel, set the stage for an unexpected and deepening relationship. They married on April 5, 1955, in a simple yet meaningful ceremony.
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson: Life After Divorce
Following her divorce from Ray Charles, Della Beatrice Howard Robinson chose to keep a low public profile. She focused on her children and personal well-being, with the financial settlement from the divorce providing her significant financial security. Her estimated net worth of $15 million reflects the substantial settlement she received.
Despite the initial media attention surrounding her marriage and divorce, Bea has since led a more private life. This decision has resulted in minimal public information about her current activities and whereabouts, allowing her to enjoy a quieter, more secluded existence.
Ray Charles: Legacy and Family Dynamics
Ray Charles’ musical legacy is well-established, yet his personal life was marked by a complex array of relationships. During his marriage to Della Beatrice Howard Robinson, Charles also maintained a notable romantic involvement with Margie Hendricks, leading to the birth of their son, Charles Wayne, in 1959. Additionally, Charles fathered children with other partners, including a daughter, Renee, with Mae Mosley Lyles in 1961, and another daughter, Sheila, with Sandra Jean Betts in 1963.
Further adding to his family, Ray had two more daughters: Reatha, born in 1966 with Mary-Chantal Bertrand, and Alexandra, born in 1968. In 1977, the same year as his divorce from Della, he welcomed a son, Vincent, with Arlette Kotchounian. This extensive family underscores the intricate nature of Charles’ personal life, characterized by multiple relationships and children from various partnerships.
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson: Champion for Social Change
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson was not only an educator but also a dedicated advocate for social justice. She committed herself to numerous community projects focused on empowering marginalized groups. Della viewed education as a critical tool for social progress and worked tirelessly to ensure access to quality education for all.
Her activism went beyond the classroom, as she organized community events, rallies, and forums to highlight pressing social issues such as poverty, racism, and gender inequality. By partnering with local organizations and leaders, Della helped to create initiatives aimed at addressing these critical challenges.
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson: A Life Beyond Advocacy
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s personal life mirrored the richness of her professional achievements. She married her college sweetheart, who shared her dedication to social justice. Together, they nurtured three children, imparting values of empathy, education, and activism that were central to their family life.
In her leisure time, Della found joy in reading, gardening, and spending moments with her loved ones. Renowned for her warm hospitality, she frequently hosted gatherings that united community members for meaningful discussions and celebrations.
Ray Charles and Della Beatrice Howard Robinson: A Growing Family
During their marriage, Ray Charles and Della Beatrice Howard Robinson expanded their family with three children. Their first son, Ray Charles Jr., was born in May 1955, shortly after their wedding. Over the next few years, they welcomed two more sons, David and Robert. The arrival of David and Robert, three years after Ray Jr., marked a significant chapter in their family life.
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson: Financial Status and Privacy
| Net Worth | Estimated $15 million |
| Source of Wealth | Primarily from divorce settlement with Ray Charles |
| Ray Charles’ Net Worth | Estimated $75 million at the time of his death in 2004 |
| Current Public Profile | Low profile; limited public information and reclusive lifestyle |
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s net worth is estimated at $15 million, a significant portion of which comes from her divorce settlement with Ray Charles. Her ex-husband, a celebrated musician, had a substantial fortune, with his net worth estimated at $75 million at the time of his death in 2004, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
Since her divorce, Della has maintained a low profile, and details about her current life are scarce. As the media’s focus has shifted away from her, she has embraced a more private and reclusive lifestyle.
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Final Words
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson, best known as Ray Charles’ second wife, played a significant role in his life while also carving out her own path. Born in 1929, Della was a gospel singer and educator, balancing her career with raising their three sons. Despite the couple’s marriage ending in 1977 due to Charles’ infidelity and addiction, Della’s legacy extends beyond their relationship. She remained a resilient figure, known for her dedication to social justice and education. Post-divorce, Della maintained a low profile, her net worth estimated at $15 million from the settlement. Today, she is remembered for her quiet strength and advocacy.
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