Forest Whitaker
Self
TV SERIES
By Whatever Means Necessary: The Times of Godfather of Harlem
Documentary
Inspired by the music and subjects featured in the series “Godfather of Harlem,” this documentary series brings alive the dramatic true story of Harlem and its music during the 1960s, and connects that history to our present moment.
Top cast
Giancarlo Esposito
Self
Ilfenesh Hadera
Self
Gladys Knight
Self
Martha Reeves
Self
Jamal Joseph
Self
Herbie Hancock
Self
Markuann Smith
Self
DO
Denise Oliver-Velez
Self
GB
Gary Bartz
Self
JB
Joe Baatan
Self
Al Sharpton
Self
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Episodes
4 Episodes
011. Mecca
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.
022. Freedom Songs
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.
033. Crossroads
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.
044. Power
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.