FRANK LUCAS Ep. 1 | “Godfather of Harlem”
From Infamous America by Black Barrel Media
April 1, 2026 · 32 min · Season 44 · Episode 1
About this episode
The episode explores the rise of Bumpy Johnson in Harlem and his relationship with Frank Lucas amidst gang conflicts during the Prohibition and Depression eras.
Before Frank Lucas is a household name in Harlem, Ellsworth “Bumpy” Johnson runs the city. During the Prohibition and Depression eras, Bumpy rises through the ranks of Stephanie St. Clair’s gang. Bumpy leads the gang in a war against Dutch Schultz’s gang, but Bumpy needs the help of mob boss Lucky Luciano to win. When Bumpy becomes the Godfather of Harlem, he places his trust in a young man called Flash Walker. The decision costs Bumpy dearly. Check out these great books about Frank Lucas, Bumpy Johnson, and Harlem crime: “Harlem Godfather” by Mayme Johnson and Karen E. Quinones Miller “Original Gangster” by Frank Lucas and Aliya S. King Thanks to our sponsor, Quince! Use this link for Free Shipping and 365-day returns: Quince.com/infamousamerica Thanks to our sponsor, Mood! For 20% off of your first order, use the promo code INFAMOUS at Mood.com Join Black Barrel+ for ad-free episodes and bingeable seasons: blackbarrel.supportingcast.fm/join Apple users join Black Barrel+ for ad-free episodes, bingeable seasons and bonus episodes. Click the Black Barrel+ banner on Apple to get started with a 3-day free trial. On YouTube, subscribe to INFAMOUS+ for ad-free episodes and bingeable…
People in this episode
Host: Black Barrel Media
Topics covered
- Harlem crime
- Bumpy Johnson
- Frank Lucas
- Prohibition
- Depression
- gang wars
Keywords
- Frank Lucas
- Bumpy Johnson
- Harlem
- gangs
- crime
- Prohibition
- Depression
- Lucky Luciano
- Dutch Schultz
Sponsors
Quince, Mood
Mentioned in this episode
Books & works: Harlem Godfather, Original Gangster
More episodes of Infamous America
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- MIAMI SHOOTOUT Ep. 1 | “Who are these guys?” · June 3, 2026 · 32 min
- FRANK LUCAS Ep. 6 | “American Gangster” · May 6, 2026 · 31 min
- FRANK LUCAS Ep. 5 | “Mr. Untouchable” · April 30, 2026 · 33 min
- FRANK LUCAS Ep. 5 | “Mr. Untouchable” · April 29, 2026 · 33 min
- FRANK LUCAS Ep. 4 | “Superfly” · April 22, 2026 · 32 min
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