Meet Ray Charles’ 12 kids — and their 10 mothers including one of his Raelettes backup singers

Ray’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.

The 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.

The 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.

Della welcomed Robert F. Robinson in 1961 with Ray, and he was drawn to ministry and aviation and became both a pastor and educator.

Ray shared Raenee Robinson with Mae Mosely Lyles and she was born in 1961. Raenee is a tax preparer and a legal shield associate.

Ray 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, 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.

Ray 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.