Della Beatrice Howard Robinson was married to the famous singer Ray Charles. She met Ray in Texas when she was working as a performer. They fell in love and got married in 1955. Della became a mother to three wonderful sons with Ray – Ray Jr., David, and Robert.
Life with Ray Charles wasn’t always easy for Della. Ray struggled with drug problems, which made their marriage difficult. After 22 years together, Della and Ray got divorced in 1977. Even though their marriage ended, Della stayed strong and focused on taking care of their children. She was known for being a caring mother who supported her sons through everything.
3 sons: Ray Charles Robinson Jr., David Robinson, Robert Robinson
Role
Former secretary at Ray Charles’ management office
First Meeting
Met Ray Charles in Texas in 1954 through his manager
Marriage Location
Dallas, Texas
Notable Life Events
– Managed home life while Ray toured
– Dealt with Ray’s drug addiction issues
– Named in his autobiography “Brother Ray”
Post-Divorce Life
Maintained a private life after divorce
Ray Charles’ Ex-Wife Early Life and Upbringing
Della Beatrice was born in 1929 in Los Angeles, California. She grew up in a simple family with her mother taking care of her most of the time. Her father wasn’t around much because he had moved to Houston after getting remarried. Little Bea went to school in Richmond until fourth grade. She loved singing from a very young age and would often sing in her local church. Her mother worked hard to give her a good life and taught her important values like being strong and independent.
Ray Charles’ Ex-Wife Journey into Music
Bea started her musical journey by singing gospel music in church. She joined Cecil Shaw’s church choir and became known for her beautiful voice. She would sing at different churches and theaters with her choir friends. Every Sunday, people would come to hear her sing at church services. She even got to record some songs, which was a big achievement at that time. Music was always a special part of her life, even when she became busy with her family later.
The biggest change in Bea’s life came when she met Ray Charles in Texas during the 1950s. They first saw each other at a hotel, and Ray was immediately impressed by her. They started meeting more often and fell in love. On April 5, 1955, they got married in Dallas, Texas. Their love story was like something from a movie. Even though Ray wasn’t very rich then, they were happy together. They had their first baby, Ray Charles Robinson Jr., in May 1955. Later, they had two more sons named David and Robert.
Ray Charles’ Ex-Wife Marriage and Challenges
Living with a famous musician wasn’t easy. Ray Charles became very successful, but he also had problems. He struggled with drug addiction and wasn’t always faithful to Bea. He would be away from home for long times because of his shows and concerts. This made life hard for Bea, who was taking care of their children mostly by herself. Even though she loved Ray, these problems became too big to ignore. After trying for many years to make things work, they finally got divorced in 1977.
Ray Charles’ Ex-Wife Life After Divorce
After the divorce, Bea chose to live a quiet life away from the spotlight. She got money from the divorce settlement, which helped her take care of herself and her children. She focused on being a good mother and continued her interest in gospel music. Not many people know what she does now because she likes to keep her life private. This privacy has helped her find peace after the difficult years of her marriage.
Ray Charles’ Legacy and Family
Ray Charles was a musical genius who changed American music forever. But his personal life was complicated. He had many relationships and ended up having twelve children with different women. Some of these children were born while he was still married to Bea. His most famous songs came out during his marriage to Bea, showing how important those years were for his career. Even though their marriage ended, Bea was part of Ray’s most successful years in music.
A Life of Resilience
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson showed great strength throughout her life.
She balanced being a mother and supporting her husband’s career.
Despite marriage problems, she never gave up on her family.
She kept her dignity even after the divorce.
Her love for gospel music stayed strong throughout her life.
She chose peace and privacy over fame and attention.
She remains respected for her role in Ray Charles’ life story.
How long were Della Beatrice and Ray Charles married?
They were married for 22 years, from 1955 to 1977.
How many children did they have together?
They had three sons: Ray Jr., David, and Robert.
What kind of music did Della Beatrice sing?
She was primarily a gospel singer and performed in church choirs.
Why did their marriage end?
Their marriage ended due to Ray’s drug addiction and infidelity.
What did Della do after the divorce?
She chose to live a private life focused on raising her children.
Conclusion
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson’s life teaches us about strength, love, and resilience. Even though she was married to one of the most famous musicians in history, she stayed true to herself. She faced many challenges but never let them break her spirit. Her story shows that sometimes the strongest thing you can do is choose your own happiness and peace. Today, she is remembered not just as Ray Charles’ ex-wife, but as a strong woman who lived life on her own terms.
Her journey from a young gospel singer to becoming Ray Charles’ wife, and then finding her own path after divorce, shows that life can have many chapters. What matters most is how we handle each chapter with grace and courage. Della’s story continues to inspire people who face challenges in their own lives, reminding them that they too can overcome difficult times and find peace.
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