By Whatever Means Necessary

In the premiere episode of this docu-series, the "cultural capital of Black America," 1960s Harlem, faces problems and rising tensions as, all over the country, civil rights protests proliferate. As the decade unfolds, music gives voice to a community fighting for justice. Featuring interviews with Forest Whitaker, Giancarlo Esposito, Ilfenesh Hadera, Martha Reeves, Gladys Knight and Al Sharpton.

A musical, political and spiritual revolution gains momentum across Black America, inspiring Jazz greats John Coltrane, Charlie Mingus and Max Roach to express their activism through their instruments, and Abbey Lincoln to vocalize her pain in song. Featuring interviews with Forest Whitaker, Giancarlo Esposito, Martha Reeves, Jamal Joseph, Gary Bartz and Al Sharpton.

The rich diversity of the Harlem population shapes new forms of music that draw on different sounds and styles heard around the neighborhood, like R&B, jazz, soul, mambo, blues, and "boogaloo," all of which reflect the common goal of racial justice. Featuring interviews with Forest Whitaker, Giancarlo Esposito, Jamal Joseph, Herbie Hancock, Charles Rangel and Nile Rodgers.

In the season finale, new voices like the Black Panthers offer a message to Black America: reform is not enough; it's time for revolution. The call for Black Power sparks a cultural shift not just in Harlem, but around the world, as Black music infiltrates the mainstream. Featuring interviews with Forest Whitaker, Giancarlo Esposito, Ilfenesh Hadera, Jamal Joseph, Herb Boyd, A$AP Ferg, Felipe Luciano, Al Sharpton and Nile Rodgers.

By Whatever Means Necessary: The Times of Godfather of Harlem" is a four-part docu-series that brings to life the dramatic true story of America's Black Mecca and its vibrant musical landscape during the years of Bumpy Johnson's rise and reign.