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Harlem Godfather

The Rap on My Husband, Ellsworth “Bumpy” Johnson

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Harlem Godfather

By: Karen E. Quinones, Mayme Hatcher Johnson
Narrated by: Patricia R. Floyd
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About this listen

The first and only full biography on legendary Harlem gangster, Bumpy Johnson who was depicted in the movies Cotton Club, Hoodlum, and American Gangster

Al Capone may have ruled Chicago. Lucky Luciano may have run most of New York City. But from the 1930s to the late 1960s, when it came to Harlem, the undisputed king of the underworld was Ellsworth Bumpy Johnson. Bumpy was a man whose contradictions are still the root of many an argument in Harlem. But there is one thing on which both his supporters and detractors agree in his lifetime, Bumpy was the man in Harlem. Harlem Godfather: The Rap on My Husband, Ellsworth Bumpy Johnson is the first complete biography of a man who for years was Harlem's best kept, and most cherished, secret. There is also a full chapter on Madame Stephanie St. Clair, the infamous Harlem numbers banker who instigated the famous fight with Jewish mobster Dutch Schultz. The book is written by Bumpy's widow, Mayme Johnson, and details not only his criminal life but also his personal life.

This book also details Bumpy's relationship Harlem dopedealer with Frank Lucas, who has called himself Bumpy's right-hand man, but was -according to Mrs. Johnson - little more than a flunky.

©2008 Oshun Publishing, Inc. (P)2021 Recorded Books Cultural & Regional True Crime Mafia
All stars
Most relevant
The real story. Fascinating So great to have facts cleared up and the full truth

True Story

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What an amazing history of Mr Ellsworth Johson. I got myself inspired to learn how bad and good that he was on his era. My the Lord bless his soul.

Mr Ellsworth

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I'm so glad I got this audiobook of the Harlem Godfather, because it is brilliantly told from a female perspective, his wife, who would know about mostly what happened in Bumpy's lifetime. Bumpy is a phenomenal character and this audiobook had me cracking up and inspired. Salute to Mr Johnson for being the true, first, Black Don ever and to not ever backing down from who came up against him.

A brilliant tale of the first Black Don in Americe

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Enjoyable book about a truly interesting character. Unfortunately I was not overly enamored with the narration. Still a worthy listen without a doubt.

Good story

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I love this book. Firstly, the story of Bumpy is interesting, but from his wife's perspective makes it even more interesting.

The narration was really good too, and for Audio book listeners this is very important in my opinion.

So, overall, if you are a fan of gangster biographies with an interesting slant, this is a must read/listen.

Great narration and real story

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