Ray Charles' Children: A Closer Look At The Legacy Of The Musical Icon

Sienna Stiedemann Jr. 09 Jun 2025

Introduction

Ray Charles, the legendary American singer and pianist, left an indelible mark on the world of music. Known for his soulful voice and groundbreaking fusion of genres, Charles was not only a musical innovator but also a father to 12 children. Born to different mothers throughout his life, these children reflect the complexity of Ray Charles' personal life. In this article, we'll delve into the stories of Ray Charles' children, exploring their backgrounds and how they were raised in the shadow of a music icon.

Ray Charles' Personal Life

Marriages and Relationships

Ray Charles was married twice during his lifetime. His first marriage to Eileen Williams was brief, lasting less than a year. Later, he married Della Bea Robinson, with whom he had two sons: Ray Charles Jr. and David Robinson. Despite his marriages, Charles fathered children with ten different women throughout his life.

As a famous touring musician, Charles's lifestyle brought him into contact with numerous women. Over the course of nearly 40 years, he fathered 12 children, showcasing the complexities of his personal relationships. According to reports, some of these children were raised quietly away from the public eye, while others became more publicly recognized.

Who Are Ray Charles' 12 Children?

Let’s take a closer look at the children of Ray Charles and their unique stories:

1. Ray Charles Robinson Jr.

Ray Charles Jr. is the eldest son of Ray Charles and Della Bea Robinson.
Born in the early years of Charles's career, Ray Jr. was raised by his mother and step-grandparents, Aretha and Bailey Robinson, after Charles resumed his busy touring schedule.

2. David Robinson

David Robinson is the younger sibling of Ray Jr. and the second son of Ray Charles and Della Bea Robinson.
Born in Los Angeles in 1958, David grew up alongside his brother, navigating the challenges of having a famous father.

Other Children

Here are some of the other notable children of Ray Charles:

Roberta Darlene Charles: Born in the late 1950s to Louise Flowers Margie, Roberta was one of the earlier children Ray Charles fathered.
Robert Robinson: Robert is another child born to Della Bea Robinson, further cementing her role as a significant figure in Charles's life.
Charles Wayne Hendricks: Born in the 1960s, Charles Wayne is one of the children fathered by Ray Charles outside his marriages.
Sheila Raye Charles: Sheila Raye is another child born in the 1960s, adding to the diverse family structure Ray Charles created.
Robyn Charles: Robyn was born in 1978 to Gloria Moffett, making her one of Ray Charles's youngest children.
Corey Charles: Corey, born in 1987 to Mary Anne Den Bok, is Ray Charles's youngest child. Mary Anne, a lawyer, revealed in interviews that despite having 12 children, Ray Charles was deeply committed to his family.

Chronology of Ray Charles' Children

Ray Charles's youngest children were born almost 10 years apart. Robyn, born in 1978, and Corey, born in 1987, highlight the span of Charles's active years as a father. This timeline underscores the longevity of his relationships and the enduring impact he had on the lives of his children.

Meeting of the Children

Shortly before Christmas in 2002, Ray Charles called a meeting of his 12 children at a hotel near Los Angeles International Airport. This gathering was significant, as it marked one of the few times all of Charles's children came together under one roof. The meeting provided an opportunity for the children to connect and learn more about their shared heritage, despite being born to different mothers.

Legacy and Family Life

Raising the Children

Raising 12 children from different mothers was no small feat. Many of Ray Charles's children were raised by their mothers or other family members while Charles pursued his demanding career. For example, after the birth of his first child, Della Bea Robinson returned to Greenville with the infant, allowing Charles to continue touring.

Despite the challenges, Ray Charles maintained a strong connection with his children. Mary Anne Den Bok, Corey's mother, spoke fondly of Charles's commitment to his family, highlighting his dedication to being a present father despite his busy schedule.

Lessons from Ray Charles' Family

Ray Charles's story serves as a reminder of the complexities of family life, particularly for public figures. His children, though born to different mothers, share a common bond through their father's legacy. The diversity of their upbringing reflects the multifaceted nature of Charles's life, both personally and professionally.

Conclusion

Ray Charles's 12 children are a testament to the depth and breadth of his life. From his early years as a rising star to his later years as a family man, Charles navigated the challenges of balancing fame with fatherhood. His children, born to ten different women, each carry a piece of his legacy. Through their stories, we gain insight into the life of a musical icon who not only shaped the world of music but also left an enduring mark on the lives of his family.

In summary, Ray Charles's children were born over nearly four decades, reflecting the musician's long and storied life. From Ray Jr. and David Robinson to Robyn and Corey, each child played a unique role in Charles's life. The meeting of his children in 2002 highlighted the importance of family connection, even in the face of diverse backgrounds. Ray Charles's commitment to his family, despite the challenges, remains a significant aspect of his enduring legacy.

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

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