Country Music Hall of Fame Honors Trailblazing Director Trey Fanjoy at Louise Scruggs Forum

At the Country Music Hall of Fame’s Ford Theater, the spotlight turns to a trailblazer who has rewritten the language of country music videos.

On Wednesday, August 19, the museum will present Trey Fanjoy with an honor at its 18th annual Louise Scruggs Memorial Forum. Hosted by Museum Writer‑Editor Allison Moorer, the ceremony will celebrate Fanjoy’s pioneering career and record‑setting achievements in the industry.

Fanjoy has directed more than 150 major‑label videos. She made history in 2009 as the first woman to win the Country Music Association (CMA) Award for Video of the Year for Taylor Swift’s “Love Story.” The following year she captured the award again for Miranda Lambert’s “The House That Built Me,” and a decade later she earned a third win for “Bluebird.” To date, she has received the honor three times and earned 18 nominations, making her the only woman to win twice and one of only two people to win three times.

The CMA Video of the Year category, introduced in 1985, rewards excellence in country‑music videos released during the eligibility period. Fanjoy’s victories underscore her influence on the visual storytelling of contemporary country music.

Her work has aired on CMT, VH1, GAC, The Nashville Network, CMT Canada, and MTV. She has collaborated with a roster of high‑profile artists—including Blake Shelton, Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood, Alan Jackson, Loretta Lynn, Reba McEntire, Dolly Parton, and George Strait—demonstrating a versatility that has kept her at the forefront of the medium.

The Louise Scruggs Memorial Forum, named after the first woman manager in the music industry, honors individuals who have made significant contributions to country music. Scruggs, who began managing the Foggy Mountain Boys in 1955, guided her husband Earl Scruggs’ career for half a century and helped shape the bluegrass and country scenes.

The Ford Theater, a historic venue within the Hall of Fame complex, was designed by the same acoustic team that built Lincoln Center in New York City. It has hosted CEOs, dignitaries, and legendary performers, providing a fitting backdrop for a celebration of a director who has helped bring country music stories to life on screen.

Fanjoy’s career reflects broader industry trends, including the growing visibility of women behind the camera and the increasing importance of music videos as both promotional tools and artistic statements. Her record of nominations and wins demonstrates sustained excellence over more than a decade, while her collaborations with a diverse group of artists highlight her adaptability.

By honoring Fanjoy at the Louise Scruggs Forum, the Hall of Fame signals a continued commitment to recognizing the contributions of women who have broken barriers in country music. The event will bring together industry peers, historians, and fans to discuss Fanjoy’s impact and celebrate her legacy.

The Forum will run from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on August 19. Tickets are available through the Hall of Fame’s website and are limited to 500 seats. The museum’s official statement notes that the event will include a panel discussion led by Moorer, followed by a presentation of the award and a brief viewing of Fanjoy’s award‑winning videos.

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, located in downtown Nashville, continues to serve as one of the world’s largest repositories of country music history. By honoring Fanjoy, the institution underscores the importance of visual media in preserving and interpreting the genre’s evolving traditions.