35 Facts About Bumpy Johnson

Early Life and Nickname

Bumpy Johnson's journey began in the early 20th century, marked by a series of events that shaped his future in Harlem.

1. Early Life and Nickname: Born Ellsworth Raymond Johnson on October 31, 1905, in Charleston, South Carolina, he earned the nickname "Bumpy" due to a noticeable deformation on his skull.

2. Family Background: His family relocated to Harlem when he was 10 to escape the fallout from his older brother's involvement in a murder case.

3. Childhood Challenges: In Harlem, Johnson faced bullying because of his Southern accent and short stature, but he quickly gained a reputation as a scrappy fighter.

4. Education: Johnson dropped out of high school, taking on odd jobs like pool hustling and selling newspapers to make ends meet.

Rise in the Criminal Underworld

Bumpy's early encounters with crime set the stage for his rise as a formidable figure in Harlem's underworld.

5. Meeting William “Bub” Hewlett: Johnson met gangster William “Bub” Hewlett, who saw potential in him and invited him to work as a bodyguard for high-profile numbers runners in Harlem.

6. Early Career in Crime: By 16, Johnson was involved in armed robberies and selling protection to local businesses, leading to his arrest and sentencing to the Elmira Reformatory.

7. Prison Life: In prison, Johnson developed a love for writing poetry, even getting published during the Harlem Renaissance. However, frequent clashes with inmates and guards resulted in over three years in solitary confinement during his ten-year sentence.

8. Release from Prison: Released in 1932, Johnson returned to Harlem, financially destitute and desperate for employment.

Alliance with Stephanie St. Clair

Bumpy's partnership with Stephanie St. Clair was pivotal in his ascent to power in Harlem.

9. Meeting Stephanie St. Clair: Johnson met Stephanie St. Clair, the "Queen of the Policy Rackets," who enlisted his help in her war against Dutch Schultz and other crime bosses.

10. War Against Dutch Schultz: Johnson and St. Clair waged a guerrilla war against Schultz's men, resulting in over 40 murders and several kidnappings.

11. Alliance with Charles “Lucky” Luciano: After Schultz's murder in 1935, St. Clair handed her business to Johnson, who then formed an alliance with Charles “Lucky” Luciano, allowing him to control Harlem's rackets while Luciano's crew received a share of the profits.

Control and Philanthropy

Bumpy's reign in Harlem was marked by both ruthless control and unexpected generosity.

12. Control of Harlem Rackets: For over four decades, Johnson controlled Harlem's rackets, earning the nickname "Harlem Godfather." Despite his tough persona, he was known for helping the less fortunate in the community.

13. Philanthropy: Johnson donated generously to the Harlem Boys Club and other local organizations. He also gave talks under the NAACP, warning young boys about the dangers of crime and funding projects to help them find alternative work.

14. Relationship with Malcolm X: Johnson was a close associate and friend of Malcolm X, who often sought his advice on community issues.

15. Fashionable Lifestyle: Despite his tough image, Johnson was known for his fashionable style and dapper look, mingling with celebrities like Billie Holiday and Sugar Ray Robinson.

Violent Confrontations and Legal Troubles

Bumpy's life was filled with violent confrontations and frequent run-ins with the law.

16. Violent Confrontations: Johnson was involved in several violent confrontations, including one where he stabbed Ulysses Rollins 36 times in a single streetfight. Another incident left Rollins' eyeball dangling from its socket.

17. Kidnappings and Murders: During his reign, Johnson was responsible for kidnapping and murdering over 40 people. However, he was also known for his ability to negotiate peace with honor, ending the war with Dutch Schultz's men without further losses.

18. Prison Sentences: Despite his involvement in organized crime, Johnson was frequently in and out of prison. He staged a sit-down strike at a police station in 1965, refusing to leave until his demands were met. He was later acquitted by a judge.

19. Return from Alcatraz: In 1963, Johnson returned to New York City after serving time in Alcatraz. He was met with an impromptu parade by the community, who welcomed him back home.

Legacy and Popular Culture

Bumpy Johnson's legacy extends beyond his lifetime, influencing popular culture and leaving a lasting impact on Harlem.

20. Net Worth: At the time of his death, Johnson's net worth was estimated to be around $50 million, largely due to his management of the mafia's businesses in Harlem.

21. Death: Johnson died of a heart attack in July 1968, surrounded by friends at Wells Restaurant in Harlem. His wife, Mayme Hatcher, noted that it was the best possible way for him to pass, given his tumultuous life.

22. Legacy: Johnson's legacy is complex, reflecting both his violent actions and his philanthropic efforts. He remains a significant figure in American organized crime history and has been immortalized in popular culture through films and television series.

23. Popular Culture Representations: Johnson has been portrayed in several films and TV shows, including Shaft, Come Back Charleston Blue, Escape from Alcatraz, The Cotton Club, Hoodlum, and American Gangster. The most recent and notable representation is the TV series Godfather of Harlem (2019).

24. Music Tributes: Johnson has also been memorialized in music, with Prodigy releasing an album titled The Ellsworth Bumpy Johnson EP and another album dedicated to him.

25. Community Impact: Despite his involvement in crime, Johnson had a significant impact on the Harlem community. He was known for his generosity and willingness to help those in need, earning him both respect and fear from the community.

Personal Life and Final Years

Bumpy's personal life and final years reveal a man of contradictions, balancing crime with community service.

26. Business Ventures: Johnson was involved in various business ventures beyond organized crime, including bookmaking and managing illegal gambling operations. He was one of the most successful bookmakers in Harlem during his reign.

27. Personal Life: Johnson married Mayme Hatcher in 1948, and they had two daughters, Ruthie and Elease. His wife wrote a biography about him titled Harlem Godfather: The Rap on My Husband, Ellsworth "Bumpy" Johnson.

28. Physical Appearance: Johnson stood at 5'8" (172 cm) and weighed around 160 pounds (72 kg). He was known for his dapper look and flashy style, which set him apart from other gangsters of his time.

29. Religious Beliefs: Johnson was a Christian and maintained a strong sense of faith throughout his life. His religious beliefs often influenced his actions, particularly in his philanthropic efforts.

30. Ethnicity and Nationality: Johnson was an African-American and an American citizen. His ethnicity and nationality played significant roles in his experiences and interactions within the community.

31. Family History: Johnson's parents were Margaret Moultrie and William Johnson. He had several siblings, including Willie and Mabel. His family background was marked by hardship and struggle, which influenced his early life and career choices.

32. Zodiac Sign: Johnson was born on October 31, 1905, making him a Scorpio according to the zodiac sign.

33. Final Resting Place: Johnson is buried at Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx, New York City. His grave is a testament to his enduring legacy in the community.

34. Impact on Civil Rights: Despite his involvement in organized crime, Johnson had connections with the Civil Rights Movement. His association with Malcolm X and other civil rights leaders reflects his broader impact on social justice.

35. Legacy in Modern Media: The TV series Godfather of Harlem (2019) has been nominated for numerous awards and continues to explore Johnson's life and legacy in modern media. This representation underscores the enduring fascination with his complex and multifaceted character.

Bumpy Johnson's Lasting Impact

Bumpy Johnson's life was a whirlwind of crime, philanthropy, and influence. Known as the "Harlem Godfather," he controlled Harlem's rackets for over four decades. Despite his criminal activities, he was a community hero, helping the less fortunate and supporting local organizations. His alliances with figures like Stephanie St. Clair and Charles "Lucky" Luciano solidified his power. Johnson's friendship with Malcolm X and his stylish persona added layers to his complex character. Even after numerous prison stints, his return to Harlem was celebrated. His legacy lives on through films, TV shows, and music, capturing the public's fascination. Bumpy Johnson's story is a blend of brutality and benevolence, making him a memorable figure in American history. His life and actions continue to be a source of intrigue and inspiration, reflecting the duality of his existence.