Bumpy Johnson was one of the most notorious gangsters in Harlem history. He was known for his intelligence, ruthlessness, and business acumen. Johnson controlled Harlem’s rackets for decades, and he was a powerful figure in the city’s underworld.
But who was Bumpy Johnson’s right-hand man? The answer to this question is not entirely clear. Some people say that Frank Lucas was Johnson’s right-hand man. Lucas was a drug dealer who rose to power in the 1960s and 1970s. Lucas claimed that he was Johnson’s protégé, and that Johnson taught him everything he knew about the drug trade.
However, others have disputed Lucas’ claims. They say that Lucas was never more than a flunky to Johnson, and that he never had Johnson’s full trust. Mayme Johnson, Bumpy’s widow, even said that her husband distrusted Lucas.
So, who was Bumpy Johnson’s right-hand man? The truth is, we may never know for sure. But there are a few other people who could have potentially held that position.
Bumpy Johnson’s Right-Hand Man?
Frank Lucas
Frank Lucas was a drug dealer who rose to power in the 1960s and 1970s. Lucas claimed that he was Bumpy Johnson’s protégé, and that Johnson taught him everything he knew about the drug trade. Lucas even said that Johnson had anointed him as his successor.
Lucas’ claims have been disputed by some, but there is no doubt that he was a close associate of Johnson’s. Lucas was a regular at Johnson’s Harlem nightclub, and he was often seen with Johnson in public. Lucas also helped to finance Johnson’s legal defense when Johnson was on trial for drug trafficking.
Whether or not Lucas was Johnson’s right-hand man is up for debate. But there is no doubt that he was a powerful figure in the Harlem underworld, and that he had close ties to Johnson.
Other Possible Candidates for Bumpy’s Right-Hand Man
- Gus Greenlee: Greenlee was a Harlem nightclub owner and businessman. He was a close friend and confidant of Johnson’s, and he is often credited with helping Johnson to build his power base in Harlem.
- Sonny Grosso: Grosso was a New York City police detective who was known for his work on drug cases. He was also a close friend of Johnson’s, and he is often credited with helping Johnson to stay out of jail.
- Malcolm X: Malcolm X was a civil rights leader and activist. He was also a friend of Johnson’s, and they worked together on several occasions.
It is possible that any of these men could have been Bumpy Johnson’s right-hand man. But the truth is, we may never know for sure.
Conclusion
The question of who was Bumpy Johnson’s right-hand man is one that has been debated by historians and crime experts for many years. There is no clear answer, and it is likely that we will never know for sure who held that position.
