Ralph was the son of Count Bernard of Périgord and Angoulême and his second wife Garsenda. His paternal half brothers were Arnald I "Voratio" and William III "Tallyrand" of Angoulême. Richard "the Simple" was his full brother.[1]
His father Bernard was co-ruler of Angoulême with Count William II Taillefer until the latter's retirement to a monastery in 945. Bernard ruled as sole Count until his death in 950.[2]
He was succeeded by his son Arnald I from his first marriage in both Angoulême and Périgord. Arnald died sometime before 962 and was succeeded by his brother William III.[3]
William III died in 962 and was succeeded by Ralph. Ralph spent his reign fighting his cousin Arnald II "Manzer" and was killed in a battle with Arnald. He was succeeded by his brother Richard.[4]