When people talk about Ray Charles, they remember the music first. Songs like Georgia on My Mind and Hit the Road Jack made him a legend. But behind his story was a woman who stood strong for many years, even when things were tough. That woman was Della Beatrice Howard Robinson. Most people just call her Bea. She was Ray Charles’ wife for over two decades, a mother, and someone who carried a lot on her shoulders.
I actually first learned about Bea while watching the movie Ray. Kerry Washington played her, and it made me curious to know more. Later, I read some stories about her and felt she never got the attention she truly deserved.
Early Life and Gospel Singing
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson was born in Duncanville, Texas in 1929. Growing up in a small town, she found her love for music early. Like many kids from church families, she sang in the gospel choir. Over time, her voice became strong and soulful. She later joined the Cecil Shaw Singers, a respected gospel group that toured across the United States.
I grew up listening to old gospel cassettes in my grandmother’s house, and honestly, it gave me goosebumps when I found out Bea had the same musical background that inspired Ray Charles himself. Gospel wasn’t just church music for them. It was the foundation of their lives.
How She Met Ray Charles
Ray Charles had a short first marriage in 1951, but it ended quickly. By 1955, he was becoming really famous, and that’s when he crossed paths with Bea in Texas. They both had music in common, which made their connection instant.
On April 5, 1955, they got married. Ray was only 24, but already dealing with heroin addiction. Bea still stood by him. Together, they had three sons:
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Ray Charles Robinson Jr. (born 1955)
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David Robinson (born 1958)
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Robert Robinson (born 1960)
Most of the responsibility of raising the kids fell on Bea since Ray was always on tour. As someone who has seen relatives go through marriages where one partner is hardly around, I can say it’s not easy at all. She had to manage kids and a husband with major struggles at the same time.
Marriage and Struggles
Ray Charles’ marriage to Bea lasted 22 years. That’s a long time, especially when you think about the problems they faced. Ray became one of the biggest names in American music. He won Grammys, toured the world, and made history. But the marriage had a darker side too.
Ray was unfaithful many times and had children with other women while still married to Bea. In total, Ray Charles had 12 children with 10 different women. Bea raised her three sons while trying to hold everything together.
Their story was shown in the 2004 film Ray. What stood out to me was how Bea was portrayed as supportive but also tired of Ray’s lifestyle. Eventually, she filed for divorce in 1977. Even after all that, she never publicly attacked him. She stayed respectful, which says a lot about her character.
Life After Divorce
Unlike many people connected to celebrities, Bea didn’t chase the spotlight after the split. She chose a private life. Even now, in her mid-90s, she is believed to be alive and well, but she keeps things quiet.
Bea’s money mainly came from her gospel work and the divorce settlement, but honestly, her true value is in what she contributed to Ray’s life and family. Without her, the Ray Charles family story would have been very different.
Interesting Facts About Della Beatrice Howard Robinson
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She started as a gospel singer and had her own recognition before meeting Ray.
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She gave birth to Ray’s first three sons who carry his name.
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She supported Ray through his heroin addiction struggles in the 50s and 60s.
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She was played by Kerry Washington in the movie Ray.
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She stayed away from fame after the divorce.
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Her gospel roots shaped some of the same music that made Ray famous.
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Even in 2025, people remember her as a big part of Ray Charles’ legacy.
Why Her Story Still Matters
We often hear about famous men, but the women who stood behind them don’t always get noticed. Bea’s story is important because it shows what it’s like to live in the shadow of fame while dealing with real problems like infidelity and addiction. She raised her kids, kept her dignity, and never lost herself completely.
I think more people should know about her, not just as Ray Charles’ wife, but as a strong woman with her own life.
