Bumpy Johnson: the man, the myth, and the legacy he left behind
Bumpy Johnson was one of Harlem’s most powerful and feared figures. Known as the “Godfather of Harlem,” he ruled the streets with both intelligence and intimidation. Bumpy Johnson’s story is a blend of truth and legend, weaving together crime, loyalty, and survival in a shifting world.
Source: UGC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Key takeaways
- Bumpy Johnson's profiles
- Bumpy Johnson's biography
- Why was his name Bumpy Johnson?
- Career
- What happened between Bumpy Johnson and Dutch Schultz?
- How many years did Bumpy Johnson serve in Alcatraz?
- What was Bumpy's relationship with Malcom X?
- Did Frank Lucas work with Bumpy Johnson?
- What was Bumpy Johnson's net worth?
- Who was Bumpy Johnson's spouse?
- How did Bumpy Johnson pass away?
- Who shot Bumpy Johnson?
- Is The Godfather of Harlem a true story?
- Trivia
Key takeaways
- Bumpy Johnson was a powerful and influential figure in Harlem, known for his sharp mind and street authority.
- He earned the title “Godfather of Harlem” by balancing crime, loyalty, and leadership within his community.
- His life blends fact and legend, making him both a feared gangster and a respected figure.
Bumpy Johnson's profiles
Full name | Ellsworth Raymond Johnson |
Nickname | Bumpy |
Gender | Male |
Date of birth | October 31, 1905 |
Place of birth | Charleston, South Carolina, The United States |
Date of death | July 7, 1968 |
Cause of death | Heart attack |
Place of death | Wells Restaurant in Harlem |
Age at death | 62 years (1968) |
Place of rest | Woodlawn Cemetery in The Bronx, New York City |
Nationality | American |
Ethnicity | African-American |
Mother | Margarete Moultrie |
Father | William Johnson |
Siblings | Willie and Mabel |
Education background | High school dropout |
Sexual orientation | Heterosexual |
Relationship status | Married |
Spouse | Mayme Hatcher |
Children | Ruthie and Elease |
Occupation | Criminal |
Net worth | $8 million (at death) |
Bumpy Johnson's biography
He was born on October 31, 1905, in Charleston, South Carolina, the United States of America, to William Johnson and Margarete Moultrie. He had an older brother called Willie and a sister called Mabel.
Raymond was of American nationality, and his star sign was Scorpio. When he was ten, his older brother Willie was accused of killing a white man, and as a result, his parents sent him up north to live with his relatives. To cover the cost of his travel, they had to sell their small home.
Why was his name Bumpy Johnson?
Johnson got the name Bumpy because he had a bump on the back of his head. As he grew older, his parents became more aware of his short temper and his hatred toward the whites. Therefore, they sent him to Harle to live with his sister Mabel in 1919.
There, he dropped out of high school and began working in unskilled jobs. That was when William Hewett, a renowned gangster, spotted Bumpy and made him work for him.
Career
Source: UGC
What happened between Bumpy Johnson and Dutch Schultz?
Bumpy was an associate of Madame Stephanie St Claire, the numbers queen at the time. In the 1930s, he was appointed St. Clair's principal lieutenant. The goal of Johnson and St. Clair was to ignite a conflict with Dutch Schultz, the head of the New York gang.
More than 40 murders and several kidnappings happened due to the struggle. They eventually lost the battle, which resulted in a contract for Johnson.
How many years did Bumpy Johnson serve in Alcatraz?
Bumpy's activities were covered by Jet's Celebrity Persons section in 1952. He received a 15-year jail term for a drug conspiracy conviction in the same year. He was inmate number 1117 at Alcatraz Prison in San Francisco Bay, California, where he completed most of his sentence before being freed in 1963.
The crime boss was renowned for using an iron hand to rule Harlem and for being cruel in his treatment of those who dared to oppose him. In a single street fight, Johnson's opponent, Ulysses Rollins, was struck 36 times with his switchblade.
Nonetheless, Bumpy was renowned for being a gentleman who never hesitated to lend a hand to the less fortunate people in his neighbourhood. He also had a reputation as a stylish man in town.
What was Bumpy's relationship with Malcom X?
Bumpy Johnson and Malcolm X had been friends since the 1940s, when the latter was still a street hustler. When Malcolm X became a prominent community member, he requested Bumpy Johnson's protection from his former organisation, the Nation of Islam.
However, Malcolm X quickly concluded that he should not be hanging out with a notorious felon like Bumpy Johnson and ordered him to ask his security to disperse. Only a few weeks later, Malcolm X was murdered in Harlem by his foes.
Did Frank Lucas work with Bumpy Johnson?
Johnson has been associated with Frank Lucas, a drug trafficker who operated in Harlem. The two met in New York City, where Frank had fled. Once in Harlem, Frank rapidly got involved in petty crime before being brought under Johnson's wing.
What was Bumpy Johnson's net worth?
Ellsworth Raymond made a fortune as a crime boss. Before his death, he had an estimated net worth of $50 million making him one of the wealthiest people in the city. Bumpy Johnson's house was in Harlem, where he operated his various ventures.
Who was Bumpy Johnson's spouse?
Bumpy Johnson’s wife was Mayme Hatcher Johnson. The two married in October 1948, and their relationship lasted until Bumpy died in 1968. Bumpy Johnson's daughter with Hatcher was called Ruthie. He, however, had another daughter named Elease (or Elise) from his previous relationship.
How did Bumpy Johnson pass away?
Bumpy Johnson died from a heart attack on July 7, 1968, at the age of 62. He reportedly suffered a heart attack while dining at Wells Restaurant in Harlem, a popular spot known for its late-night soul food.
Source: UGC
When Johnson passed away from congestive heart failure, he still faced a federal indictment for narcotics conspiracy. He had just received coffee, a chicken leg, and hominy grits from the waitress at the Wells Restaurant in Harlem shortly before 2 a.m. when he collapsed, clutching his chest. Bumpy Johnson's funeral took place in Woodlawn Cemetery in New York City.
Who shot Bumpy Johnson?
Details of whether he was ever shot in real life remain unknown. However, in the series Godfather of Harlem, based on Bumpy's life story, he was shot in what could be called a cliffhanger by an unknown assailant.
Is The Godfather of Harlem a true story?
Yes, Godfather of Harlem is based on a true story, but it takes some creative liberties for dramatic effect. The series centres on Ellsworth “Bumpy” Johnson, a real-life Harlem crime boss who returned from prison in the 1960s and fought to regain control of his neighbourhood.
Bumpy Johnson’s crew was a powerful and well-organised network that operated mainly in Harlem, New York, during the mid-20th century. His organisation controlled parts of the numbers racket, drug trade, and protection rings, often working in uneasy alliance with the Italian Mafia.
Many of the characters—like Malcolm X, Adam Clayton Powell Jr., and Vincent “Chin” Gigante—were also real historical figures who interacted with Johnson in some capacity. However, the show’s writers combine real events with fictionalised plots and dialogue to enhance storytelling and explore social themes like race, power, and justice.
Trivia
- His real name was Ellsworth Raymond Johnson, but he got the nickname “Bumpy” because of a bump on the back of his head.
- Bumpy Johnson was known for his sharp suits and polished style—he often dressed like a businessman rather than a gangster.
- He was an avid reader and reportedly loved poetry, history, and philosophy. Some said he could quote Shakespeare and the Bible from memory.
- Despite being a Harlem kingpin, he had working relationships with major Italian mobsters, including Charles “Lucky” Luciano.
- Many Harlem residents saw him as a Robin Hood–like figure because he helped locals pay rent, find jobs, and stay safe.
- He died of a heart attack while eating at Wells Restaurant in Harlem in 1968.
- Bumpy Johnson has been portrayed in several films and TV shows, most famously by Forest Whitaker in Godfather of Harlem and by Laurence Fishburne in Hoodlum (1997).
Bumpy Johnson’s legacy continues to fascinate people today. Some see him as a protector of Harlem, while others remember him as a ruthless gangster. His influence shaped a generation and left a lasting mark on Harlem’s identity. Even decades later, Bumpy Johnson remains a man whose story refuses to fade.
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Cindy Karimi Cindy K. Karimi is a content creator with more than 4 years of experience. She graduated from Kenyatta University studying Records Management and IT in 2021. Cindy has been with Briefly since 2020, covering content, mainly celebrity biographies and list articles. Cindy is a dog lover and enjoys hiking, swimming and jogging. Tel: +254710217889
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