Della Beatrice Howard Robinson, affectionately known as “Bea” or “Beatrice,” is most notably recognized as the wife of music legend Ray Charles. Their marriage lasted for over two decades and spanned a significant portion of Ray Charles’ illustrious career. Though her public presence remained low-key, Della Beatrice Howard Robinson played an essential role in Ray’s life, offering support through both the highs and lows of his career.
Biography of Della Beatrice Howard Robinson
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Della Beatrice Howard Robinson |
| Known As | Bea, Beatrice |
| Date of Birth | 1929 |
| Place of Birth | Texas, USA |
| Spouse | Ray Charles (1955–1977) |
| Children | 3 Sons (Ray Charles Jr., David Robinson, Robert Robinson) |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Homemaker |
| Famous For | Wife of Ray Charles |
Meeting Ray Charles
Della first met Ray Charles in Texas in 1954, and the two quickly fell in love. They got married in 1955, and their union lasted for 22 years. Ray was already gaining fame in the music industry, and Della became his steadfast partner, supporting him through his rise to stardom.
Personal and Family Life
Della Beatrice and Ray Charles had three sons together: Ray Charles Jr., David Robinson, and Robert Robinson. While Ray’s career demanded long hours on the road, Della primarily took care of their children and maintained the household. Ray Charles Jr. would later speak of his mother’s strength and influence, noting that she was the stabilizing force in the family.
Della and Ray faced numerous challenges in their marriage. Ray’s struggles with drug addiction, infidelity, and the demands of his career put significant strain on their relationship. However, Della remained a dedicated partner and mother throughout these turbulent times.
The Ups and Downs of Her Life with Ray Charles
Highs:
- Support During His Career: Della stood by Ray’s side during his meteoric rise in the music industry. She was a grounding presence for him and the family, helping Ray navigate the complexities of fame.
- Family Life: Despite the challenges of Ray’s career and lifestyle, Della and Ray’s marriage resulted in three children, all of whom went on to lead meaningful lives.
Lows:
- Ray’s Drug Addiction: Ray Charles’ well-documented struggles with heroin addiction took a toll on their marriage. Ray’s frequent stints on the road, combined with his substance abuse issues, put immense pressure on Della.
- Infidelity: Ray Charles’ infidelity added further strain to their relationship. His affairs were a point of contention and were widely known during his career, causing significant personal conflict between the couple.
- Divorce: After 22 years of marriage, Della and Ray divorced in 1977. Despite the divorce, Della remained a significant figure in Ray’s life, and they maintained mutual respect and care for each other.
Interesting Facts About Della Beatrice Howard Robinson
- Inspiration for Songs: Della was reportedly an inspiration for some of Ray Charles’ songs. While Ray was known for not publicly discussing his private life, many fans and biographers believe that Della played a key role in influencing his music during their marriage.
- Resilience: Della’s strength and resilience during her marriage to Ray were often noted by those close to the couple. Despite the many challenges, she maintained a strong presence in the lives of their children.
- Influence on Ray’s Religious Beliefs: Della was deeply religious, which may have influenced Ray’s relationship with gospel music. Ray often credited Della with helping him stay connected to his faith during his career.
Q&A About Della Beatrice Howard Robinson
Q: How long were Ray Charles and Della Beatrice Howard Robinson married? A: They were married for 22 years, from 1955 to 1977.
Q: How many children did Della and Ray have? A: They had three sons together: Ray Charles Jr., David Robinson, and Robert Robinson.
Q: Did Della Beatrice Howard Robinson ever appear in the public spotlight? A: Della preferred to live a private life, staying out of the public eye for the most part. However, she occasionally appeared with Ray at events and supported him throughout his career.
Q: Why did Della and Ray divorce? A: The marriage faced many challenges, including Ray’s drug addiction and infidelity, which eventually led to their divorce in 1977.
Q: What was Della’s role in Ray Charles’ career? A: Della played the role of a supportive partner and managed the household, allowing Ray to focus on his career. She was also an influential figure in Ray’s personal life and family matters.
FAQs About Della Beatrice Howard Robinson
Q: Is Della Beatrice Howard Robinson still alive? A: As of the most recent information available, Della Beatrice Howard Robinson has lived a private life since her divorce from Ray Charles. Details about her current life are not publicly available.
Q: Was Della Beatrice involved in Ray Charles’ business or music decisions? A: While Della wasn’t directly involved in Ray’s professional business decisions, she was his emotional support during his career’s formative years and beyond.
Q: Did Della Beatrice remarry after her divorce from Ray Charles? A: There is no public information to suggest that Della Beatrice Howard Robinson remarried after her divorce from Ray Charles.
Q: How did Della cope with Ray Charles’ fame and lifestyle? A: Della managed the household and focused on raising their children, even as Ray’s fame and the pressures of his career created challenges in their marriage.
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson was an essential figure in Ray Charles’ life. Though their marriage was marked by significant challenges, including addiction and infidelity, Della played a vital role in Ray’s personal and professional life. Her support helped anchor Ray during his rise to fame, and her influence extended to their family life, where she was a devoted mother to their three sons. Despite the hardships they faced, Della’s impact on Ray’s life remains undeniable, and she continues to be remembered as a strong and resilient figure in his legacy.
