Ray Charles didn't only have a successful career but a huge family.
He was the father to 12 children who varied in age, with 10 different mothers. His eldest child was born in 1949 and his youngest child was born in 1987.
Ray's first wife was Eileen Williams from 1951 to 1952 and the duo didn't have any children. His second marriage was to Della Beatrice Howard from 1955 to 1977.
The renowned pianist passed away in 2004 due to liver failure. Learn all about his family ties below.
Evelyn Robinson
© Getty ImagesRay's firstborn was Evelyn Robinson, whom he welcomed into the world in 1949 with Louise Flowers. She passed away in 2025, and she was a systems analyst, travel and event manager.
Ray Charles Robinson Jr., 71
© WireImageThe musician welcomed Ray Charles Robinson Jr. in 1955 with Della. He is the author of "You Don't Know Me: Reflections of My Father, Ray Charles." Ray Jr. also produced films that highlighted his father's thriving career.
David Robinson, 68, and Charles Wayne Hendricks
© Getty ImagesThe artist welcomed David Robinson in 1958 with Della and he likes to remain out of the spotlight and is an entrepreneur.
Ray's son Charles Wayne Hendricks, whom he welcomed into the world with the Raelettes' backup singer, Margie Hendricks, was born in 1959. He passed away in 2013 and little is known about his career.
Robert F. Robinson, 65
© Getty ImagesDella welcomed Robert F. Robinson in 1961 with Ray, and he was drawn to ministry and aviation and became both a pastor and educator.
Raenee Robinson, 65
© Getty ImagesRay shared Raenee Robinson with Mae Mosely Lyles and she was born in 1961. Raenee is a tax preparer and a legal shield associate.
Sheila Raye
© Getty ImagesRay and Sandra Jean Betts' daughter Sheila Raye, who was born in 1963, passed away in 2017. She took after her father and was both a singer and an author who released several albums in the gospel and R&B genres. Sheila also published her memoir called "Behind the Shades," which details her struggles overcoming addiction and jail time, and how she went on to become a minister.
Reatha Butler, 60, Alexandra Bertrand, 58, and Vincent Kotchounian, 49
© Getty ImagesReatha Butler, born in 1966 to mother Mary Chantal Bertrand and Ray, is a real-estate business owner.
Mary also gave birth to Alexandra Bertrand, born in 1968, however, little is known about her career.
Arlette Kotchounian gave birth to Vincent Kotchounian in 1977 and she became both a model and a fitness trainer.
Robyn LaJoya Moffett, 48 and Ryan Corey Robinson den Bok, 39
© Getty ImagesRay welcomed Robyn LaJoya Moffett with Gloria Moffett in 1978. She too followed in her father's footsteps and became a singer-songwriter and also launched a music consulting company.
Mary Anne den Bok gave birth to Ryan Corey Robinson den Bok in 1987, and he too is a musician and a producer.
