Bill Wyman,in his book about blues,relates a story.On the Rolling Stones' first trip to America,1964,their first day,they checked into their New York City hotel,freshened up,and eagerly assembled to take in the town.They were standing on the street in front of their hotel when they bumped into Lonnie Johnson,whom Wyman immediately recognized.They ended up hanging out and going to his gig that night.They were amazed to be in America,where blues stars could be found walking down the street.Of course,in 1964,the bluesmen were still amazed when a white person knew who they were.