Ray Charles Robinson Jr. may not be as globally recognized as his legendary father, but he has carved a distinctive identity rooted in the legacy of greatness. As the son of music icon Ray Charles and his second wife Della Beatrice Howard Robinson, Ray Charles Jr. has led a life shaped by fame, challenges, and resilience. From his own career in film production to his deeply personal memoir, Robinson Jr. is a testament to how children of legends navigate the shadows of stardom while forging their own path.
This article dives deep into the life of Ray Charles Robinson Jr., his upbringing, family dynamics, personal endeavors, and his efforts to honor and humanize the towering figure of his father.
Who is Ray Charles Robinson Jr?
Born on May 25, 1955, Ray Charles Robinson Jr. is the eldest son of Ray Charles, the pioneering American soul musician, and Della Beatrice Howard Robinson, his second and longest-standing wife. Growing up with a father who was blind by the age of seven but became a world-renowned artist was anything but ordinary.
Ray Jr. stepped into the world of entertainment but chose a different direction than his father. Instead of pursuing music, he became a film producer and author. Notably, he worked as a co-producer on the 2004 biographical film Ray, which won multiple Academy Awards and starred Jamie Foxx in a career-defining role.
Beyond film, Ray Jr. has written about his life in the memoir “You Don’t Know Me: Reflections of My Father, Ray Charles”, which explores both the painful and uplifting aspects of growing up with a music legend as a parent.
Ray Charles Robinson Jr Siblings
Ray Charles Jr. is the firstborn of three sons shared between Ray Charles and Della Beatrice Howard Robinson. His full siblings include:
- David Robinson – Born in 1958
- Robert Robinson – Born in 1960
In total, Ray Charles Sr. fathered 12 children with 10 different women. This means Ray Jr. has nine half-siblings from his father’s other relationships. Among them are:
- Sheila Raye Charles (deceased), a singer and speaker
- Charles Wayne Hendricks
- Evelyn Robinson
- Reatha Butler
- Others whose lives have remained mostly private
These siblings represent a diverse and complex extended family, united by the name of one of America’s most iconic artists.
Ray Charles’ Wife – Della Beatrice Howard Robinson
Della Beatrice Howard Robinson, also known as “Bea,” was born in 1929 and married Ray Charles in 1955. She played a vital but often understated role in Ray Charles’ personal life. Bea was with Ray during some of his most productive years, including his transition from R&B to mainstream pop and soul.
Their marriage lasted 22 years, ending in 1977 due to irreconcilable differences — largely rooted in Ray’s long-term drug addiction and infidelity. Despite the challenges, Della remained a stabilizing presence in her children’s lives. Her son Ray Jr. often credits her strength and faith as crucial in shaping his own values.
Della’s relationship with Ray Charles was a complicated one, but her commitment to her family never wavered. She largely stayed out of the public eye after their divorce and has lived a private life away from media attention.
Ray Charles Robinson Jr’s Career
Ray Jr. didn’t follow in his father’s footsteps musically but found his passion in the entertainment industry as a film and television producer. He was the co-executive producer of “Ray Charles: 50 Years of Music”, a television special celebrating his father’s legacy. However, his most notable contribution was co-producing the movie Ray (2004).
In addition to producing, Ray Jr. authored a memoir titled “You Don’t Know Me”, published in 2010. This emotionally candid book provides an insider’s look into Ray Charles’ family life, offering insights into his addictions, failures as a father, and personal vulnerabilities.
Through the memoir and his involvement in the film, Ray Jr. worked to portray his father as a full, complex human being — not just a musical genius but a man of faults, struggles, and pain.
Ray Charles Robinson Jr Net Worth
Though Ray Jr. is not a billionaire celebrity like his father, his work in film and publishing has given him a respectable financial standing. As of recent estimates, Ray Charles Robinson Jr. has a net worth of approximately $6 million.
His earnings are primarily attributed to:
- Royalties and rights from the Ray movie
- Sales from his memoir
- Production roles in TV and film
- Possible shares from Ray Charles’ estate (though much of that was distributed via trust)
It’s also important to note that Ray Charles Sr. left $500,000 to each of his children in a trust fund before his death in 2004, which may have contributed to his son’s financial portfolio.
Ray Charles’ Children – A Big Legacy
Ray Charles Sr. fathered 12 children over several decades, reflecting a tumultuous personal life. He was involved with multiple women and kept in touch with most of his children, although not always consistently. Some of his children, like Sheila Raye Charles, pursued music, while others chose private lives.
At the time of his death, Charles reportedly made efforts to reconcile with his children, even bringing them together for a meeting where he explained how his estate would be handled. His children were each provided for, but the majority of his estate went into the Ray Charles Foundation, which supports institutions for the hearing-impaired.
Ray Charles Robinson Jr’s Age and Birthday
As of August 2025, Ray Charles Robinson Jr. is 70 years old. He was born on May 25, 1955. His birthday often prompts public remembrance among fans of the Ray biopic and his father’s vast legacy.
Though not a celebrity in the traditional sense, Ray Jr.’s contributions to the preservation of his father’s memory have made him a respected figure in entertainment and publishing circles.
Personal Life and Family
Ray Charles Jr. is not only a producer and author but also a family man. He resides in Los Angeles, where he lives with his long-time partner Rhonda Bailey. The couple has two daughters, Erin and Blair, and a granddaughter named Kennedy.
He remains dedicated to keeping the memory of his father alive, frequently participating in interviews, panel discussions, and foundation work that preserves Ray Charles Sr.’s music and message.
Conclusion
Ray Charles Robinson Jr. represents a bridge between an American legend and the reality behind the stardom. While Ray Charles Sr. transformed modern music with soul, blues, and gospel fusion, Ray Jr. took a different road—one of storytelling, production, and personal reflection. His work has provided the world a fuller picture of who Ray Charles really was, both on stage and at home.
From his childhood to his present-day achievements, Ray Charles Jr. remains committed to truth and legacy. His journey is one of balancing reverence with realism—an honest and courageous look at a complicated family history.
Brought to you by [infory] — Your Source for Real Stories Behind the Spotlight