Tears and Trombones: Based on a True Story, Hardcover

A depression-era boy wants to become a musician against the wishes of his hard drinking, heavy equipment operating father. His long-suffering mother wants him to escape the kind of life she's had and supports his musical dream. He convinces himself that music is the most important thing in his life and marries the woman who has set her sights on him and is willing to support his musical obsession. Joey winds up in the symphony and performing in Hollywood, backing up the likes of Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison, The Beach Boys and Frank Sinatra. But he lets the love of his life, the high school beauty that he adored from the first encounter, slip away. Tears and Trombones is a roller coaster of highs and lows with humorous twists and poignant turns as we watch Joey pursue his dream.