Ray Charles' Children: The Stories Behind The Musical Icon's 12 Offspring

Elenor Bogan 09 Jun 2025

Introduction

Ray Charles, the legendary American singer, songwriter, and pianist, is widely celebrated for his contributions to music and his distinctive style. However, beyond the spotlight of his illustrious career lies a fascinating personal life that includes a large family. Throughout his 73 years of life, Ray Charles fathered 12 children with ten different women. In this article, we'll explore the lives of these children and the circumstances surrounding their births and upbringing.

Ray Charles' Family Life

Marriages and Relationships

Ray Charles was married twice. His first marriage to Eileen Williams lasted less than a year. His second marriage to Della Bea Robinson, however, resulted in three children: Ray Charles Jr., David Robinson, and Robert Robinson. Despite being married, Ray Charles also had relationships with other women, leading to the birth of nine additional children.

Ray Charles Jr.: Born in 1952, he is Ray's first child with Della Bea Robinson.
David Robinson: Born in 1958, he is the younger sibling of Ray Charles Jr. and the second son of Ray Charles and Della Bea Robinson.
Robert Robinson: Another child from his marriage to Della Bea Robinson.

The Women Behind the Children

Throughout his life, Ray Charles had relationships with other women, which resulted in nine more children. Here are some of the women who played a significant role in his family life:

Louise Flowers Margie: Mother of Charles Wayne Hendricks.
Sandra Jean Betts: In 1963, Ray Charles had a daughter, Sheila Raye Charles, with Sandra Jean Betts.
Gloria Moffett: Mother of Robyn, Ray's youngest child born in 1978.
Mary Anne Den Bok: A lawyer and the mother of Corey, Ray's youngest child born in 1987.

The Lives of Ray Charles' Children

Growing Up in the Shadow of Fame

As Ray Charles lived the life of a famous touring musician, meeting and loving many women, his children were often raised quietly away from the public eye. Some of them were raised by their mothers or other family members, while others were raised by Ray and his wife, Della Bea Robinson.

For example, after the birth of one of his children, Ray Charles and the infant's mother returned to Greenville, where Aretha and Bailey's wife, who had lost a son, shared in the child's upbringing.

Chronological Order of Ray Charles' Children

Ray Charles' children were born over a span of nearly 40 years, with the youngest children being born almost a decade apart. Below is a chronological list of his children:

Ray Charles Jr. (1952)
David Robinson (1958)
Robert Robinson (Date not specified)
Charles Wayne Hendricks (Mother: Louise Flowers Margie)
Sheila Raye Charles (1963, Mother: Sandra Jean Betts)
Robyn (1978, Mother: Gloria Moffett)
Corey (1987, Mother: Mary Anne Den Bok)

Other children include names like Robert Robinson, Sheila Raye Charles, and Charles Wayne Hendricks, among others.

Ray Charles' Commitment to His Family

In 2008, Mary Anne Den Bok, the mother of Ray Charles' youngest child, Corey, revealed that despite having twelve children, no one was as committed to his family as the singer. This commitment was evident in the way Ray Charles ensured his children were provided for and cared for, even if they were raised by different mothers.

Reunion of the Children

Shortly before Christmas 2002, Ray Charles called a meeting of his 12 children at a hotel near Los Angeles International Airport. This gathering was significant as it allowed the children, who had grown up separately, to connect and share their experiences of growing up as part of such a unique family.

Current Lives of Ray Charles' Children

Seeing as most of Ray Charles' children are adults now, they have lived their own lives and many of them have families of their own. Most of them chose to live lives away from the public eye, maintaining a low profile despite their famous father.

Conclusion

Ray Charles' legacy extends beyond his music to his large family of 12 children. Despite the complexities of his personal life, Ray Charles was deeply committed to his children and ensured they were well cared for. From his marriages to his numerous relationships, the musical icon's life was filled with love and family. Today, his children continue to honor his memory by leading their own lives, some quietly away from the spotlight, while others have built families of their own. Ray Charles' story is one of music, love, and the enduring bonds of family.

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Ray Charles with his wife Della and their sons. Photo from iRockJazz

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