Character Analysis
The saxophone player in Herman E. Calloway's band, The Nubian Knights of the New Deal, Steady Eddie is a good natured and kind-hearted character.
Steady Eddie is like the big brother Bud never had. When everyone in the band gets together, Steady Eddie can tease and bicker with the best of them, but in the end he means no harm. On their way to the Sweet Pea, the Thug is really laying it on Bud and Steady says, "Thug, you're gonna have to lay off the kid's chops, the little man's got problems enough and sure don't need you meddling with him…" (13.83). Steady Eddie sticks up for Bud over and over again, just like a brother.
Steady Eddie gets pretty excited about Bud living with them, too. Right away, he gives Bud his old sax case, which Bud thinks is really special, and then he gives him a recorder so he can learn music. He gives Bud a purpose besides just watching the band play music. He gives Bud something to work for, something to look forward to. Then at the end, all the guys get together and buy Bud a saxophone of his own. Eddie tells Bud, "Well, Mr. LaBone, I'll tell you what, since you're so hot to get in this band, I'd better get you started on your lessons right away" (19.129). Yeah, we all think Eddie would be a pretty awesome big brother.