This is a story about the son of poor immigrants who grew up in Chicago during the Great Depression of the 1930s, recounting how he eventually became a world-renowned musician in the crown jewel of Americas symphony orchestras, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. He was later honored by being included in Whos Who In America and Whos Who In Entertainment for thirty years. The youngest of five children who lost his mother before beginning school, Denov acquired his self-discipline from a strict father. Inspired by an older brother before being nurtured by the Chicago Board of Education, he chose to become a classical musician while still in high school. Turning 18 just four days after the December, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Before being deployed overseas, he married his sweetheart and later fathered two sons. After his discharge, he became a musician in the San Antonio Symphony Orchestra, and then the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, but was still unable to earn a decent living. He was almost ready to give up his dream when an opportunity to join the Chicago Symphony Orchestra presented itself. He later helped organize its musicians and occupied several leadership positions in that organization. After retiring and moving to California, he became a labor relations consultant and won a landmark case representing musicians before the National Labor Relations Board. He learned to never let an obstacle stand in his way. There is much to be gained and enjoyed from his colorful memoir.
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