| By Whatever Means Necessary: The Times of Godfather of Harlem | |
|---|---|
| Genre | 4-part Docuseries |
| Directed by | Keith McQuirter |
| Composer | Roger Suen |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language | English |
| No. of episodes | 4 |
| Production | |
| Executive producers | Keith McQuirter, Nina Yang Bongiovi, Forest Whitaker, Swizz Beatz |
| Producers | Keith McQuirter, Leslie Asako Gladsjo, Cyndee Readdean |
| Cinematography | Derek Wiesehahn |
| Production companies | Decoder Media, Significant Productions |
| Original release | |
| Network | Epix |
By Whatever Means Necessary: The Times of Godfather of Harlem is a four-part documentary series directed by Keith McQuirter. It premiered on November 8, 2020, and concluded on November 29, 2020, on Epix (now MGM+). The series serves as a companion to the scripted drama Godfather of Harlem . [1] The series received industry recognition, winning the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Directing in a Documentary (Television or Motion Picture) for Keith McQuirter in 2021. [2] [3]
Set between 1960 and 1969, the documentary examines a decade of profound cultural transformation in Harlem. It highlights the role of Black musicians and activists who used their art to confront racial injustice. Through genres such as soul, R&B, jazz, Latin, and early forms of rap, the series shows how music both reflected and shaped the civil rights movement, amplifying messages of resistance that echoed globally. [1] [4]
The series includes archival footage and interviews with cast members from Godfather of Harlem, including Forest Whitaker, Giancarlo Esposito, and Ilfenesh Hadera, as well as prominent artists and activists such as Gladys Knight, Herbie Hancock, Nile Rodgers, A$AP Ferg, Reverend Al Sharpton, Martha Reeves and former U.S. Representative Charles Rangel. [1] [5]
The series was executive produced by Godfather of Harlem star Forest Whitaker, along with Keith McQuirter, Nina Yang Bongiovi, and Swizz Beatz. It was produced by Decoder Media and Significant Productions. [6]
Epix announced the four-part docuseries in July 2020 and later set the premiere for November 8, 2020. [7] [8]
Public television program MetroFocus profiled the series in November 2020, with director Keith McQuirter discussing Harlem’s cultural and political landscape in the 1960s and how the music of the era became a form of resistance. [9] [10]
| Year | Award | Category | Recipient | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | NAACP Image Awards | Outstanding Directing in a Documentary (Television or Motion Picture) | Keith McQuirter | Won | [11] [12] [13] |
| Episode | Title | Original air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mecca | November 8, 2020 |
| 2 | Freedom Songs | November 15, 2020 |
| 3 | Crossroads | November 22, 2020 |
| 4 | Power | November 29, 2020 |
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