Della Beatrice Howard Robinson was born in 1929 in Los Angeles, California. Her parents separated shortly after her birth, and she was raised by her mother on an 80-acre farm. Despite her humble beginnings, Della found solace in music, particularly gospel, which would become a significant part of her career. She attended a local school in Richmond until the fourth grade, after which she took on household responsibilities.
Before meeting Ray Charles, Della had been married twice. Her first marriage was to a minister's son she met after a church service, but it was abusive, and she eventually left him. Her second husband was also a churchgoer and equally violent, prompting her to flee to New York City. She was still legally married to her second husband when she met Ray Charles in Texas in 1954.
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson began her professional music career as a teenager, joining Cecil Shaw's church choir. Her powerful voice quickly gained attention, leading to performances in churches, concerts, and on the radio. This exposure paved the way for her future singing career, eventually landing a recording deal and producing numerous songs released on compact discs (CDs). However, after meeting Ray Charles, she gave up her music career to focus on her family.
Della Robinson married Ray Charles on April 5, 1955, and their marriage lasted 22 years, ending in divorce in 1977. The couple had three children together: Ray Charles Robinson Jr., David Robinson, and Robert Robinson. Ray Charles' struggles with substance addiction and extramarital affairs were attributed to the end of their marriage. Della Beatrice Howard Robinson's net worth is unknown, but it is believed to include a divorce settlement from Ray Charles and earnings from her gospel music career.
Ray Charles first met Della Beatrice Howard Robinson in 1954 in Texas, where she was performing as a singer. At the time, Ray Charles was a rising star, having signed with Atlantic Records in 1952. They got married a year later, and their union occurred at a pivotal moment in Ray Charles' career, as his unique blend of gospel, R&B, jazz, and blues was gaining widespread recognition.
The couple welcomed their first child, Ray Charles Robinson Jr., on May 25, 1954, just over a month before their wedding. They had their second child, David Robinson, in 1958, and their third child, Robert Robinson, in 1960. Throughout his life, Ray Charles fathered 12 children with 10 different women, with Robert being his third and final child with Della Robinson.
In March 2026, Hit Song Productions announced "The Della B. Robinson Story," a faith-based biographical film about her life, chronicling her journey from gospel singer to Ray Charles' wife. The film's central message is "Shattered expectations do not mean shattered purpose." Della Beatrice Howard Robinson is believed to be alive as of 2026, maintaining a private life in Riverside County, California.
Key points
- Della Beatrice Howard Robinson was born in 1929 in Los Angeles, California, and is 97 years old as of 2026.
- Della Robinson married Ray Charles on April 5, 1955, and their marriage lasted 22 years, ending in divorce in 1977.
- A faith-based biographical film about Della Beatrice Howard Robinson's life, "The Della B. Robinson Story," was announced in March 2026.
