Final answer:
In the 1950s, radio stations were segregated, playing white-only music or black-only music. However, the rise of rock and roll music helped blur racial lines and break down segregation over time.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the 1950s, radio stations were segregated and played white-only music or black-only music. This was a result of the racial divisions and discrimination that were prevalent during that time. White musicians and artists were predominantly featured on stations aimed at white audiences, while black musicians and artists were primarily played on stations aimed at black audiences.
However, it is important to note that the rise of rock and roll music in the 1950s helped blur racial lines and played a significant role in breaking down segregation. Rock and roll gained popularity among both black and white teenagers, and record companies eventually began selling records from both black and white artists in the same stores. Television shows like the Ed Sullivan Show and American Bandstand also brought black and white teenagers together, fostering greater social interaction between them.
Overall, while radio stations in the 1950s were initially segregated, the cultural influence of rock and roll music helped challenge and transform this segregation over time.