20 Facts About Crime Boss Bumpy Johnson

20 Facts About Crime Boss Bumpy Johnson

Ellsworth “Bumpy” Johnson was a notorious African American gangster who gained notoriety in the early to the mid-20th century for his involvement in organized crime in Harlem, New York City. He was known for his astute business acumen and ability to broker deals between rival gangs, as well as for his violent tactics when necessary.

Despite his criminal activities, Johnson was also a well-respected figure in the Harlem community and was known for his philanthropic efforts, including providing support and aid to those in need. In the article are 20 facts about crime boss Bumpy Johnson.

1. Bumpy Johnson was a generous man

Bumpy Johnson jpg. AGFASCNS, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Despite being involved in criminal activities, Bumpy Johnson was known for his generosity. He was said to have given money to help people in need, including paying for the funerals of those who couldn’t afford it. Johnson was also involved in the civil rights movement in the 1960s, using his influence to help improve conditions for African Americans in Harlem. He donated money to civil rights organizations and supported the efforts of leaders such as Adam Clayton Powell Jr. and Malcolm X.

Despite his criminal activities and reputation as a feared and respected crime boss, Johnson was seen by many in Harlem as a beloved figure who had done much to help his community. His generosity and willingness to help others, particularly those in need, were seen as admirable qualities and helped to shape his legacy as a complex and multifaceted figure in American history.

2. His physical appearance in the back gained him the name Bumpy

Ellsworth “Bumpy” Johnson was given his nickname due to a singular physical characteristic – a prominence or lump on the occipital region of his skull. The exact cause of this bump is unknown, but it could result from a congenital disability, a physical injury, or a medical condition.

Regardless of its origin, the bump on the back of Bumpy Johnson’s head became a distinctive feature of his appearance, ultimately leading to his nickname. Despite the stigma and negative connotations often associated with such a moniker, Johnson was able to rise above it and become an influential and respected figure in the criminal underworld of Harlem.

3. Bumpy was a keen gambler

Bumpus Johnson was a highly astute gambler. He possessed a shrewd acumen for discerning favorable odds and assessing the risk-reward trade-off of various wagering opportunities. His rational approach to gambling was marked by an acute awareness of the intricate nuances of games of chance and a finely tuned instinct for capitalizing on fleeting advantages in the ever-shifting landscape of the gaming world.

His clever manipulation of probability distributions and strategic utilization of his resources underscored his status as a consummate gaming virtuoso whose mastery of wagering set him apart as a luminary in high-stakes gambling.

4. Johnson’s life story was symbolic

Bumpy Johnson’s life story is widely regarded as symbolic of the intricate and multifaceted relationship between crime, poverty, and race in the United States. Born into a poor and marginalized African American community in Charleston, South Carolina, Johnson grew up amidst racial discrimination, poverty, and limited opportunities for advancement.

As he moved to New York City and became involved in the criminal underworld of Harlem, Johnson found himself at the intersection of race and organized crime. Despite engaging in illegal activities such as gambling, prostitution, and drug trafficking, Johnson was also known for his philanthropy and support for the civil rights movement. His complex personality and contradictory actions exemplify the tensions and ambiguities that have characterized the relationship between crime, poverty, and race in America.

Throughout his life, Johnson struggled to balance his criminal pursuits with his desire to help his community and fight for racial equality. He used his power and influence to aid civil rights leaders such as Adam Clayton Powell Jr. and Malcolm X while also engaging in criminal activities that harmed his fellow African Americans.

5. Johnson was said to have been a fan of jazz music

Bumpy Johnson was reputedly a fan of the jazz genre, displaying a keen interest in its musical form and cultural significance. He was known to frequent the illustrious Apollo Theater in the heart of Harlem, renowned for its performances by legendary jazz musicians.

As a jazz patron, Johnson was part of a broader cultural movement that celebrated African American creativity and expression in the face of societal discrimination and prejudice. Jazz music, in particular, was seen as a symbol of cultural resistance. It represented an African American art form that had gained mainstream popularity despite the pervasive racism of the era.

By embracing jazz and supporting the Apollo Theater, Johnson demonstrated a commitment to his community’s cultural and artistic vitality. His patronage of Harlem’s cultural institutions was a testament to his appreciation of the transformative power of music and the arts and his recognition of their potential to foster community spirit and inspire social change.

6. Bumpy was first arrested when he was 16 years old

At 16, Bumpy Johnson was embroiled in legal trouble when he was apprehended for appropriating $50 from a local enterprise. This led to his detention at a reformatory facility in upstate New York.

This incident marked a pivotal moment in Johnson’s life, exposing him to a correctional system frequently criticized for its harsh and punitive methods. It also exemplified the broader societal issues of poverty and lack of opportunity that often lead to criminal behavior in disadvantaged communities.

Johnson’s experience in the reformatory likely profoundly impacted his later life and shaped his perspective on issues related to justice and fairness. It may have also contributed to his eventual involvement in criminal activities, as he sought to navigate a world where opportunities for legal advancement were often limited and the allure of illicit gains was strong.

7. Johnson’s family moved to Harlem when he was a child

Ellsworth Raymond Johnson, better known as Bumpy Johnson, was born in Charleston, South Carolina, in 1905. When he was a child, his family relocated to Harlem, New York, for better economic opportunities and a brighter future. However, life in Harlem during that time was difficult, and the family struggled to make ends meet.

Growing up amid poverty and crime, Johnson was exposed to the harsh realities of life in urban America. He witnessed firsthand the social and economic inequalities that plagued the African American community in Harlem and experienced the impact of racial discrimination and segregation on his own family.

As he entered adolescence, Johnson became increasingly drawn to the world of organized crime, which offered a way to escape the poverty and hopelessness surrounding him. He became involved in illegal activities such as gambling, prostitution, and drug trafficking, eventually becoming one of the most powerful and influential figures in Harlem’s criminal underworld.

8. Johnson’s legacy continues to be celebrated in popular culture

The legacy of Bumpy Johnson, one of the most iconic and influential figures in the history of organized crime, has continued to captivate and inspire audiences in popular culture. Over the years, numerous films, TV shows, and other media have featured characters based on Johnson and his exploits.

One of the most notable depictions of Johnson came in the 1997 film “Hoodlum,” which starred Laurence Fishburne as the charismatic and enigmatic crime boss. The film depicted Johnson’s rise to power in Harlem during the 1930s, as he battled with rival gangs and struggled to maintain his dominance in the face of law enforcement pressure.

Johnson’s story has been told in recent years through the popular TV series “Godfather of Harlem,” which premiered in 2019. The series, which stars Forest Whitaker as Johnson, chronicles his return to Harlem after a decade in prison as he seeks to reclaim his place as the undisputed kingpin of the neighborhood.

9. Bumpy Johnson and Dutch Schultz were long-time rival crime bosses

During the 1920s and 1930s, Harlem was a hotbed of criminal activity, and Johnson and Schultz were two of the most powerful crime bosses in the neighborhood. They had a long-standing feud over control of the Harlem numbers racket, a form of illegal gambling that was very lucrative at the time.

In October 1935, Schultz, frustrated with his inability to gain control of the Harlem numbers racket, ordered a hit on Johnson. However, the impact was unsuccessful, and Johnson survived. In retaliation, Johnson and his associates decided to eliminate Schultz. On October 23, 1935, Schultz was ambushed and shot while dining at the Palace Chophouse in Newark, New Jersey. He died in the hospital the next day.

Although Johnson was never charged with Schultz’s murder, he was widely suspected of being behind it. The incident helped cement his reputation as one of the most powerful and feared gangsters in Harlem.

10. Bumpy was known for his intelligence, charisma, and leadership skills

He is regarded as one of the most intelligent underworld crime bosses who ever existed as far as the history of crime and gangs is concerned. He also has other traits like charisma and leadership skills ( his intelligence, by far, influenced his leadership traits. Bumpy was widely respected and admired by many in the Harlem community, both for his criminal exploits and his efforts to improve the lives of African-Americans.

Despite his involvement in illegal activities, Bumpy Johnson was seen as a Robinhood figure-like who fought those in need and against racism and social oppression. His leadership skills and ability to navigate the complex underworld of Harlem allowed him to rise to the top of the criminal Hierarchy. They became one of the most potent gangsters of his time.

11. Bumpy was married twice and had several children

Bumpy Johnson was married twice during his lifetime. His first marriage was to Madeline, with whom he had three children. His second marriage was to a woman named Mayme Hatcher, who was also involved in his criminal activities. They were married until Johnson died in 1968, and they had at least one child together, a daughter named Margaret.

In addition to his children with his two wives, Johnson was also rumored to have had other children outside of his marriages. However, the exact number of his offspring is unknown, as Johnson was very private and did not discuss his personal life with others.

12. Bumpy was involved in numerous criminal activities

Bumpy Johnson was involved in various criminal activities throughout his lifetime, including drug trafficking, prostitution, and gambling. He was a prominent figure in the Harlem underworld during the 1920s and 1930s, and he was known for his involvement in the illegal numbers racket, a form of gambling popular in Harlem at the time.

In addition to his involvement in the numbers racket, Johnson also had ties to other criminal enterprises, including drug trafficking and prostitution. He was known to be a major supplier of heroin to the Harlem community during the 1940s and 1950s. He was also involved in other illegal activities, including extortion and loan sharking.

13. Bumpy was a significant player in the numbers racket

Bumpy Johnson was a significant player in the Harlem numbers racket, an illegal form of gambling that was very popular in the African American community during the early 20th century. The numbers racket involved betting on a three-digit number drawn in various ways, such as from a daily newspaper or a spinning wheel.

Johnson was known to be a skilled operator in the numbers racket, and he built a large and profitable business through his connections and his ability to avoid detection by law enforcement. He employed a network of runners who would collect bets from people throughout Harlem, and he had a team of accountants who would keep track of the stakes and the payouts.

Despite the illegal nature of the numbers racket, it was a significant source of income for many people in Harlem during the Great Depression. Johnson was known to use his profits from the noise to help those in need, and many people in the community regarded him as a hero. However, his involvement in the racket also brought him into conflict with rival gangsters, and he was often the target of violence and assassination attempts.

14. Bumpy was an influential figure in the Harlem Renaissance

While Bumpy Johnson was an influential figure in the Harlem community, he was not considered a prominent figure in the Harlem Renaissance. The Harlem Renaissance was a cultural movement during the 1920s and 1930s and was characterized by a flourishing of African American art, literature, music, and intellectual thought.

While Johnson was involved in criminal activities during this period, he did not participate in or contribute to the artistic and cultural movements of the Harlem Renaissance. Instead, his influence in Harlem was primarily based on his involvement in the illegal gambling trade and his reputation as a powerful and feared gangster.

The Harlem Renaissance was a time of significant social and political change in the African American community. Johnson was undoubtedly affected by these changes. He was an important figure in the Harlem community during this period, and his life and experiences provide insight into the era’s complex social and political landscape.

15. He was a great friend of Malcolm X

Malcolm X jpg. Ed Ford, World Telegram staff photographer, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

While Bumpy Johnson and Malcolm X were known to have interacted with each other, there is no evidence to suggest that they were great friends. Malcolm X was prominent in the civil rights movement and the Nation of Islam during the 1950s and 1960s. At the same time, Johnson was a gangster who operated in the criminal underworld of Harlem.

It is known that Johnson provided financial support to the Nation of Islam during the 1950s and 1960s and that he had some level of interaction with Malcolm X during this period. However, the exact nature of their relationship needs to be well-documented, and there needs to be more evidence to suggest that they were close friends.

It is also worth noting that Malcolm X was a vocal critic of the criminal underworld and its negative impact on the African American community. While he may have interacted with Johnson on some level, it is unlikely that he would have considered him to be a positive influence on society or a close personal friend.

16. Bumpy served time in prison for drug and robbery charges

Bumpy Johnson served multiple stints in prison throughout his lifetime, primarily for charges related to drug trafficking and robbery. In 1926, he was arrested and convicted of theft and sentenced to 10 to 20 years. He served eight years of that sentence before being released on parole in 1934.

In 1951, Johnson was again arrested and convicted of conspiracy to violate the narcotics laws and sentenced to 15 years in prison. He was released from prison in 1963 after serving 12 years of his sentence. During his time in prison, Johnson reportedly continued to operate his criminal enterprises through his connections and associates on the outside.

Johnson’s time in prison was a significant factor in his criminal career, allowing his rivals to gain power and influence in the Harlem underworld in his absence. However, he maintained some control over his criminal enterprises and was regarded as influential in the Harlem community even while behind bars.

17. Bumpy was a mentor of Frank Lucas

Frank Lucas jpg. Luigi Novi, CC BY 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Bumpy Johnson mentored Frank Lucas, a prominent drug dealer in Harlem during the 1960s and 1970s. Lucas began working for Johnson as a driver and bodyguard in the 1950s, and he eventually rose through the ranks to become one of Johnson’s top lieutenants.

After Johnson died in 1968, Lucas took over his drug trafficking operations and expanded them to become one of the largest drug trafficking organizations in New York City. Lucas was known for his innovative business practices, such as directly importing heroin from Southeast Asia, and his violent tactics, including murder and intimidation of rivals.

Lucas has credited Johnson with teaching him important lessons about the criminal underworld, including staying loyal to one’s friends and associates and building a solid network of contacts and connections. However, it is worth noting that Johnson was also known for his community work and efforts to help African Americans. At the same time, Lucas focused on building his drug empire and accumulating wealth and power.

18. Johnson was portrayed in the 1997 film “Hoodlum.”

In the 1997 film “Hoodlum,” the character of Ellsworth “Bumpy” Johnson was portrayed by actor Laurence Fishburne. The movie is a crime drama set in the 1930s and follows the story of Bumpy Johnson, a notorious Harlem gangster, as he clashes with rival gangsters and tries to maintain his power and influence in the neighborhood. Fishburne’s performance was widely praised by critics, and the film itself was a commercial success.

18. He died of a heart attack

Bumpy Johnson died from a heart attack on July 7, 1968. He was 62 years old at the time of his death. The circumstances surrounding his death are somewhat unclear, and there are different accounts of what happened.

According to some reports, Johnson was at the Wells Restaurant in Harlem when he suddenly collapsed and was taken to the nearby Wells Hospital. He was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital. Other accounts suggest that Johnson was at home when he suffered the heart attack.

Some people have speculated that Johnson’s death resulted from foul play and may have been poisoned or targeted by his rivals in the criminal underworld. However, no concrete evidence supports this theory, and it is generally believed that Johnson died of natural causes.

Johnson’s death was a significant event in the history of the Harlem underworld, as he was regarded as one of the most potent and respected gangsters in the community. His death marked the end of an era, and many of his rivals and associates scrambled to fill the power vacuum he left behind. Despite his involvement in criminal activities, Johnson was also known for his community work and efforts to help African Americans. His death was mourned by many in the Harlem community.

19. He received a reputable sendoff at his funeral

Thousands of people attended Bumpy Johnson’s funeral, including many prominent African American leaders of the time. The funeral was held on July 12, 1968, at the Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem, and it was one of the largest funerals the community had ever seen.

Among those who attended the funeral were civil rights leaders such as Rev. Jesse Jackson and Adam Clayton Powell Jr., a U.S. congressman from Harlem. Malcolm X’s widow, Betty Shabazz, attended the funeral, as did the writer James Baldwin and the musician Duke Ellington.

The funeral procession stretched for blocks and was led by a horse-drawn carriage carrying Johnson’s casket. The casket was made of bronze and weighed over 1,000 pounds. It was flanked by many mourners, including Johnson’s former associates and members of the Harlem underworld.

The funeral was a testament to Johnson’s impact on the Harlem community. It was seen as a reflection of many people’s deep respect and admiration for him, despite his involvement in criminal activities. The funeral also highlighted the complex and often contradictory nature of Johnson’s legacy, as he was remembered for his criminal exploits and efforts to help African Americans and improve conditions in the community.