What was the relationship like between black musicians/singers and their white audiences in the middle of 20th century America?

by willj1983marine

Some of the greatest musical artists of the time were black, how did this sit with white audiences? Was there hostility/resentment towards the acts? I recently heard Mavis Staples recount a story of police harassment whilst touring and wondered whether this attitude from some sections of society made it inside the venues.

hillsonghoods

I answered a similarish (now deleted) question here last year - hope that helps, and feel free to ask follow-up questions.