Della Beatrice Howard Robinson, known to many simply as “Bea,” holds a unique place in music history—not as a singer in the spotlight, but as a powerful, grounding force behind one of America’s most iconic musicians, Ray Charles. Her life is a quiet story of strength, sacrifice, and independence. Though the world often remembers her as Ray’s second wife, there’s so much more to her story.
Early Life in California
Born in 1929 in Los Angeles, California, Della Beatrice Howard Robinson grew up during a difficult era. The racial climate in America was still heavily segregated, and economic struggles were common for Black families. Her parents were never married, and they separated shortly after she was born. Raised by her mother, Della faced challenges early on. These hardships taught her self-reliance from a young age.
She spent her early childhood in Richmond, where she attended school until the fourth grade. After that, she began helping out at home. Even though her formal education was limited, she developed strong life skills and a sense of responsibility that shaped her adult years.
A Love for Gospel and the Stage
As a teenager, Della turned to music as a source of comfort and expression. She joined Cecil Shaw’s church choir, where she began singing in public and on the radio. Her voice soon caught attention, and she became a known name in the gospel music scene. She eventually signed a recording contract and performed with church groups throughout the South.
While she didn’t reach the mainstream fame her husband later would, Della’s gospel music career was respected. Her love for music wasn’t just a personal passion—it laid the groundwork for her understanding of Ray Charles’ world later on. She knew the demands of a musical career and the emotional highs and lows that came with it.
A Fateful Meeting with Ray Charles
In 1954, Della met Ray Charles in Houston, Texas. At that time, she was in the prime of her gospel career, and Ray’s fame was just beginning to rise. Their connection was natural. Both were musicians. Both were independent spirits. They got married on April 5, 1955, in an informal ceremony held in the back room of a Dallas hotel. She was 26. He was 24.
Just weeks after the wedding, their first child, Ray Charles Robinson Jr., was born. They later welcomed two more sons, David and Robert. Della stepped away from performing to focus on family life, taking on the role of wife and mother while Ray pursued his rapidly growing career.
Life with a Superstar
Being married to a music legend came with enormous challenges. Ray Charles was constantly touring, performing, and recording. His schedule left little time for family life. The public rarely saw the pressure this placed on Della.
What made things more complicated were Ray’s personal struggles. His addiction to heroin and frequent affairs created cracks in the marriage. These weren’t minor issues—they deeply affected the emotional balance of the home. Della remained supportive for many years, but the weight of betrayal and instability eventually grew too heavy.
After 22 years of marriage, she filed for divorce in 1977. At that time, she was about 48 years old. By then, she had been through decades of public attention, personal heartache, and emotional distance. She stepped away not only from Ray, but from the spotlight altogether.
Family and Financial Life After Divorce
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson and Ray Charles shared three sons, all of whom have gone on to live successful lives. Their eldest, Ray Jr., even produced a documentary detailing his father’s life and the toll it took on the family.
Following the divorce, Della received a financial settlement that significantly shaped her life. Her net worth is estimated at around $15 million, largely based on that settlement and related assets. At the time of his death in 2004, Ray Charles had an estimated net worth of $75 million, which was divided among his 12 children and other beneficiaries.
While Della never pursued another public career, she focused on her children and personal peace. She maintained a low profile and chose a quiet, private life. Her withdrawal from public view was deliberate. She wanted to protect her family and live without the chaos that had once surrounded her.
A Quiet Legacy of Strength
Now believed to be 95 years old, Della Beatrice Howard Robinson is still living—though far removed from the public eye. She hasn’t given many interviews or appeared at major public events in years. Still, her story remains part of the fabric of Ray Charles’ legacy.
People close to the family have always noted her steady influence. Despite the public’s fascination with Ray’s talent and turmoil, Della’s unwavering devotion to her children and her quiet grace under pressure have not gone unnoticed.
Her early contribution to gospel music may be forgotten by some, but not by those who heard her sing or shared a pew in church. She gave up her career not out of necessity, but out of choice—for family, for love, and eventually, for peace.
A Woman Beyond the Title
It’s easy to label Della as “Ray Charles’s wife.” But that wouldn’t do her justice. She was an artist, a mother, and a survivor. She held her family together in the face of chaos, and when that was no longer possible, she walked away with dignity.
Her life shows us that strength isn’t always loud. Sometimes, it’s found in silence—in the decision to walk away, to raise children alone, and to live out the rest of your years with grace. Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s journey is a reminder that behind every legend, there’s often someone quietly holding everything together.
