Palos Hills, Illinois, man John, known as “Music Man,” claims a $1 million prize and credits memories of his late father as he plans a possible recording studio.
For John, a Palos Hills, Illinois, resident known by the nickname “Music Man,” a $1 million prize has taken on a deeply personal meaning because of the memories he carries of his late father.
John claimed the $1 million top prize on the Illinois Lottery’s Millionaire Club Instant Ticket after purchasing a $50 ticket at Jewel-Osco at 7329 S Cass Ave. in Darien. He said he was excited by the result, but also felt a strong connection to his father in the moment.
“I wasn’t that shocked, but I was excited,” John said. “I could feel my father’s presence with me when I walked into the store—that felt like a sign.”
The win was not John’s first significant prize. Last October, he won $50,000 on a $10 Holiday Bucks ticket, a moment that coincided with the anniversary of his father’s passing.
John recalled that he had lit a candle and said a prayer before noticing a flock of geese passing by. His father had been a bird hunter, and John said the sight felt symbolic to him.
“My father was a bird hunter, so it felt symbolic—like good fortune. Then I scratched the ticket and won,” he said.
Months later, with his father still on his mind, John purchased the $50 ticket that would earn him the $1 million top prize. After scanning the ticket to confirm the result, he immediately shared the news with his sister and mother, who he said were thrilled.
John now has plans for the money that connect with another important part of his life: music. He intends to invest in new equipment, including a guitar, and says the $1 million could even give him the opportunity to open a recording studio.
“All thanks to my father, I might even open up a recording studio,” he said with a smile.
