When we talk about the greats of American music, Ray Charles stands as a towering figure. Known as “The Genius,” Charles revolutionized soul, rhythm and blues, and jazz with his extraordinary voice and piano skills. But behind this legendary figure was a woman who shared more than two decades of her life with him—Della Beatrice Howard Robinson, better known as Bea Robinson.
As Ray Charles’s second wife, Della Beatrice was by his side through some of the most critical years of his career. Though their marriage eventually ended, her role in his personal life remains an important part of his story. This article explores who Della Beatrice Howard Robinson is, her marriage to Ray Charles, her life after divorce, and her legacy as part of the history of one of America’s greatest musicians.
Early Life of Della Beatrice Howard Robinson
Della Beatrice Howard, often called Bea, was born in the United States, though details about her early life remain largely private. Unlike many celebrity spouses, she has always preferred a low-profile existence. Her story became widely known only because of her marriage to Ray Charles.
Her background before meeting Ray Charles is not well documented in public records, but from what is known, she lived a quiet and relatively traditional life compared to the fast-paced, often turbulent world of music that Ray inhabited.
Marriage to Ray Charles
Della Beatrice Howard married Ray Charles in 1955, a time when his career was rapidly gaining momentum. By then, Charles was already establishing himself as a musical genius, blending gospel, jazz, and blues into what would later be called soul music.
Their marriage lasted 22 years, ending in 1977. During that time, Della and Ray had three sons together:
- Ray Charles Jr.
- David Robinson
- Robert Robinson
This family unit represented one of the most stable parts of Ray’s otherwise turbulent life, which was often complicated by his career demands, drug addiction, and extramarital affairs.
Life as the Wife of a Music Icon
Being married to a musician of Ray Charles’s stature was not easy. The 1950s and 1960s saw him rise to international fame, touring constantly, recording hit after hit, and redefining American music.
Della Beatrice, meanwhile, played the role of a supportive partner, raising their three children while Ray was often away. She was described as strong-willed, practical, and deeply devoted to her family. While many people in Ray’s life came and went, she provided stability for over two decades.
However, life with Ray Charles was far from perfect. His struggles with heroin addiction and his notorious infidelity placed a heavy burden on the marriage. Ray fathered several children outside of his marriage, which became a point of deep tension between him and Della.
Challenges in Their Marriage
Despite their long marriage, Della Beatrice Howard Robinson endured many challenges.
- Ray’s Substance Abuse – Ray Charles had a decades-long struggle with heroin, which deeply affected his personal relationships. Della stood by him during many of those years, but the weight of his addiction was difficult to bear.
- Extramarital Affairs – Ray Charles was known for his relationships with multiple women, even while married. In fact, he had several children outside of his marriage with Della, which strained their relationship further.
- Public Life vs. Private Life – While Ray thrived in the spotlight, Della preferred a private life. This contrast sometimes created distance between them, as she avoided fame while he was consumed by it.
Despite these issues, the marriage endured for over two decades—a testament to her resilience and commitment.
Divorce in 1977
After 22 years of marriage, Della Beatrice Howard Robinson and Ray Charles divorced in 1977. The split came after years of difficulties stemming from Ray’s infidelity and personal struggles.
While the divorce was undoubtedly painful, it also marked a new chapter for Della, who had spent much of her life dedicated to her family. Unlike some celebrity ex-spouses, she did not seek fame or capitalize on her connection to Ray. Instead, she chose to step away from the limelight, focusing on her own life and children.
Life After Ray Charles
Following her divorce, Della Beatrice Howard Robinson maintained a low-profile lifestyle. Unlike Ray’s later relationships, which were more public, Della chose to remain out of the media spotlight.
Her three sons—Ray Jr., David, and Robert—remained connected to their father, and some even participated in managing parts of his legacy after his death in 2004. For instance, Ray Charles Jr. became involved in film production and worked to preserve his father’s memory.
Della herself rarely appeared in interviews or public events, but she has occasionally been mentioned in biographies and documentaries about Ray Charles, always as a significant figure in his personal life.
Legacy and Importance
Though not a public figure in her own right, Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s legacy is tied to her role in Ray Charles’s life and the family they built together.
Her importance can be understood in several ways:
- Supportive Partner During His Rise – She was with Ray during the critical years when he transitioned from a talented musician into a global superstar.
- Mother of His Children – Della raised three of Ray’s sons, ensuring that they grew up with stability despite the chaos of their father’s lifestyle.
- Symbol of Endurance – Her 22-year marriage to Ray Charles represents one of the longest and most stable periods of his personal life, even though it ultimately ended in divorce.
In many ways, her story reflects the challenges faced by spouses of artists and celebrities—balancing the pressures of fame, addiction, and infidelity while trying to maintain a sense of normal family life.
Della Beatrice in Popular Culture
Though Della Beatrice Howard Robinson has always kept herself away from the spotlight, her presence is acknowledged in biographies of Ray Charles. She was portrayed in the 2004 film “Ray”, which starred Jamie Foxx as Ray Charles. In the movie, her role highlighted the personal struggles Ray had in balancing his family life with his demanding career and lifestyle choices.
The film gave audiences a glimpse of the challenges Della endured, though much of her real-life story remains private.
Conclusion
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s life is not defined by fame, but by her quiet strength and resilience. As the second wife of Ray Charles, she shared 22 years with one of the greatest musicians in history, raising three sons and standing beside him during the most pivotal years of his career.
