JEFFERSON HILLS, Pennsylvania. —
A Thomas Jefferson High School student rose to fame after a video of her playing AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck” on mallet percussion last year was reposted on social media last week, amassing millions of views.
“He sent me the link, and it’s already been viewed 6 million times, and I was like, aw, geez,” Layla Clark said.
SEE THE VIDEO ABOVE
Clark was excited but showed humility while speaking Friday with Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 reporter Felicity Taylor. She said mastering “Thunderstruck” was a long process.
“It took me forever to learn the song,” she said. “I’ll be really honest. I haven’t even perfected it yet.”
The video’s popularity spread far beyond the Pittsburgh area, even reaching a famous football player.
“I just found out on the bus today that Taylor Swift’s husband (Travis Kelce) reposted my video and was talking about me, so that’s exciting,” Clark said. “This is the first real celebrity I’ve heard about my video.”
Looking for more news in your area | Subscribe to the WTAE YouTube channel
Clark also explained how his classmates reacted to his newfound fame.
“I heard people watching my video in the hallways, and they were pointing and saying, ‘Oh, that’s her,'” she said.
During TJ’s playoff victory over Moon on Friday night, the group also performed songs from “The Wiz,” Elvis Presley’s “Viva Las Vegas” and Miley Cyrus’ “Party in the USA.”
Clark has credited his band family for his success and personal growth.
“I wouldn’t be the same without my band. I’d probably still be a super shy, nervous kid,” she said. “I couldn’t have done anything without them.”
Clark dreams of going to college next fall to become an exotics veterinarian and hopes his future school will also have a band.
Download the WTAE app to stay connected to the latest news. Subscribe to our email newsletters to receive the latest news in your inbox.
Gn entert
