Bud, Not Buddy

The horn player in the band, Jimmy Wesley, deduces that Bud’s arrival must have something to do with the cryptic telegram Mr. Calloway received the day before. Mr. Calloway insists rudely that Bud is “a disturbed young man” (150) who does not know his father. When Bud tries to tell Mr. Calloway, “I belong with you now, sir” (150), Mr. Calloway becomes increasingly agitated. Mr. Jimmy asks Bud many questions to try to determine who his caretaker is in Flint, and Bud tries to explain his confusing circumstances at the Amoses and after he left their shed. Mr. Jimmy sends Bud to stand a distance away while he confers with Mr. Calloway. When Mr. Jimmy calls Bud to return, he offers Bud dinner at the Sweet Pea in exchange for more information. Bud agrees. Mr. Calloway leaves after making it known this is “nonsense.”

Mr. Jimmy introduces Bud to other band members: drummer Doug “the Thug” Tennant, saxophone player “Steady Eddie” Patrick, trombone player Chug “Doo-Doo Bug” Cross, and piano player Roy “Dirty Deed” Breed. They are all Black except for Roy, who is white. The Thug tries to convince Bud that he should run up to Mr.