Ray Charles Wife, born Ray Charles Robinson, was a legendary American singer, songwriter, and pianist whose profound impact on music is still celebrated today. Beyond his illustrious career, Charles’ personal life, particularly his marriages, offers a glimpse into the complexities he navigated offstage. This article delves into the lives of Ray Charles’ wives—Eileen Williams and Della Beatrice Howard Robinson—and their roles in his journey.
Eileen Williams: The First Ray Charles Wife
Eileen Williams was Ray Charles Wife. The couple married on July 31, 1951, during the early stages of Charles’ career. Unfortunately, their union was short-lived, lasting only until 1952. Little is publicly known about Eileen Williams, as their brief marriage did not produce any children, and she largely remained out of the spotlight. The reasons for their separation have not been extensively documented, leaving this chapter of Charles’ personal life relatively private.
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson: The Second Ray Charles Wife
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson, affectionately known as “Bea,” was Ray Charles Wife second and most prominent Ray Charles Wife. Born in 1929 in Richmond, Texas, Della’s early life was rooted in the rich cultural traditions of the South. She developed a passion for gospel music, which became a significant part of her identity.
Meeting Ray Charles Wife
Ray and Della’s paths crossed in 1954 in Texas. At the time, Della was singing with a gospel group, and Ray was an emerging artist blending gospel, jazz, and blues into a unique sound. Their mutual love for music sparked a connection, leading to their marriage on April 5, 1955. This union marked the beginning of a 22-year-long partnership.
Life Together
During their marriage, Ray and Della had three sons:
- Ray Charles Robinson Jr.: Born in 1955, he later became involved in the entertainment industry and worked to preserve his father’s legacy.
- David Robinson: Born in 1958, he pursued a life away from the public eye.
- Robert Robinson: Born in 1960, he also maintained a private life.
The family resided in View Park, California, a neighborhood known for its affluent African American community. Despite Ray’s demanding career and frequent tours, Della aimed to provide a stable home environment for their children.
Challenges in the Marriage
While their marriage had moments of joy, it was also fraught with challenges. Ray’s escalating heroin addiction and extramarital affairs placed immense strain on their relationship. Della, aware of these issues, struggled with the emotional turmoil they brought. In his autobiography, Ray acknowledged the impact of his lifestyle on their marriage, noting that his drug addiction and infidelities took a toll on Della. After years of enduring these challenges, Della filed for divorce in 1977, ending their two-decade-long marriage.
Ray Charles’ Relationships and Children
Beyond his marriages, Ray Charles Wife had multiple relationships that resulted in a total of 12 children with 10 different women. Some of his notable relationships and offspring include:
- Margie Hendricks: A singer and member of The Raelettes, Margie had a significant impact on Ray’s music and personal life. Their affair led to the birth of a son, Charles Wayne Hendricks, in 1959.
- Mae Mosley Lyles: Their relationship resulted in a daughter, Raenee Robinson, born in 1961.
- Sandra Jean Betts: Together, they had a daughter, Sheila Raye Charles, born in 1963. Sheila followed in her father’s footsteps, pursuing a career in music before her passing in 2017.
- Arlette Kotchounian: A Parisian lover, Arlette and Ray had a son, Vincent Kotchounian, born in 1977.
Despite the complexities of his personal life, Ray made efforts to connect with his children. In 2002, he held a family luncheon where he informed them of his terminal illness and disclosed that he had set up trusts of $500,000 for each child, to be distributed over five years.
Legacy of Della Beatrice Howard Robinson
After her divorce from Ray Charles Wife Della Beatrice Howard Robinson chose a life away from the public eye. Her current whereabouts remain private, reflecting her longstanding preference for personal privacy. Della’s legacy, however, is intertwined with Ray’s illustrious career. She was a steadfast partner during the peak of his fame, providing support amidst the challenges of his burgeoning career and personal struggles. Her influence and presence during those formative years undoubtedly played a role in shaping the man behind the music.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many times was Ray Charles married?
Ray Charles was married twice. His first marriage was to Eileen Williams from 1951 to 1952, and his second was to Della Beatrice Howard Robinson from 1955 to 1977.
2. Who was Ray Charles’ longest-serving Ray Charles Wife?
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson was Ray Charles’ longest-serving wife. They were married for 22 years.
3. How many children did Ray Charles have?
Ray Charles had 12 children with 10 different women.
4. Did Ray Charles have children with his wives?
Yes, with Ray Charles Wife, Della Beatrice Howard Robinson, Ray Charles had three sons: Ray Charles Robinson Jr., David Robinson, and Robert Robinson.
5. What happened to Della Beatrice Howard Robinson after the divorce?
Following their divorce in 1977, Della Beatrice Howard Robinson chose to