Anderson native Wales Toney wins ACM award

Anderson native Wales Toney wins Academy of Country Music award

Wales Toney watched country music awards shows while growing up in Anderson.

Now, he's got an Academy of Country Music Award of his own.

Wales Toney, a TL Hanna High School graduate and former Clemson baseball player, won an Academy of Country Music Award for Visual Media of the Year on May 8.

"Being born and raised in Anderson makes this accomplishment incredibly special," Toney said.  

Toney co-directed the music video for Ella Langley’s hit “You Look Like You Love Me" featuring Riley Green, with Langley and John Park. 

"I grew up watching country music award shows," Toney said. "For me to now be honored as a winner feels surreal. The Anderson community has always believed in me, and their support has driven me to keep going and chase my dreams."

According to the Academy of Country Music, the award recognizes the best music video released during the eligibility period, supporting a song or single.  It acknowledges the producer, director, and artist for their work, emphasizing creativity, visual appeal, and impact on consumers and the country music industry. 

The video has garnered more than 39 million views on YouTube and earned Toney and his team, Whale Tale Music, their first Academy of Country Music award.

Toney said that from the start, "we knew the video was going to be special. To now be a winner alongside Ella and JP is truly surreal and deeply meaningful."

Anderson native Wales Toney, what to know

Toney is known for directing music videos for artists such as Koe Wetzel, Kameron Marlowe, Corey Kent, and Muscadine Bloodline. 

His music videos have received over 400 million views across multiple platforms.

Toney directed the music video for "Trouble" by Canadian country music artist Josh Ross. 

"Trouble" was nominated for Music Video of the Year at the 12th Annual CMA Ontario Awards. 

"Growing up in Anderson, I never imagined a career in film or music was within reach," Toney said.

"If you’re passionate about something, chase it with everything you’ve got," Toney said. "If you find a job you love, it’ll never feel like work."

'My first real exposure to film'

Toney graduated from TL Hanna High School in 2012. 

At TL Hanna, Toney said, "I took a video broadcast class with Mrs. Johnna Cochran, and that’s where it all started. I edited our school’s daily news, which was my first real exposure to film. It sparked something in me creatively that never left, and that foundation shaped the path I’m on today." 

Adam Comstock, principal and baseball coach at TL Hanna High School, said he witnessed Toney grow and mature both as a player and as a person.  

"Wales was always a hard worker, had a great personality, was creative, and was always on the cutting edge when it came to social media, trends, etc," Comstock said.   

"Wales edited the news with Mrs. Cochran in the morning, where he learned the fundamentals of what he does today," he said.

Wales showcased his creativity and production skills by producing a skit for the Mr. TL Hanna pageant, Cochran said.

"Wales is a great example of if you put your mind to something and work hard, the sky is the limit," Comstock said. "Even if that something wasn’t your original plan."

Playing baseball at Clemson

After high school, Toney played baseball at Clemson University as a pitcher.

"Wales was a top-100 prospect as a freshman pitcher, and after redshirting in 2013, he made four relief appearances as a redshirt freshman in 2014," said Brian Hennessy, Clemson University Baseball's communications director. 

"Wales' playing career did not evolve the way he had hoped," Hennessy said. "However, he turned that negative into a positive during his latter years as a student."

Hennessy recalled Wales showing interest in the creative and video side back in 2015.

"Wales was willing to be involved in any way he could," Hennessy said. "I could see his drive to go in that direction. Seeing what he has accomplished is not surprising considering his passion from those early years."

Baseball career ends

After his baseball career ended, Toney found himself at home rehabbing while the team was on the road in 2015.

"I decided to pick up a camera for the first time," he said. "Rather than relying on trial and error. I watched as many YouTube videos as possible. The majority of what I have learned has been gained through hands-on experience and being placed in situations where I have to figure things out quickly."

This unexpected detour led Toney to discover his passion for filmmaking. 

Toney later moved to Nashville, Tennessee to pursue a career in the entertainment industry and currently lives there with his wife, Paige. 

"Growing up in Anderson taught me how to stay grounded," Toney said. "This is something I have carried into this new chapter in Nashville. My family has always been my biggest source of motivation and support. They’ve pushed me to work hard and stay humble."

Lynn Toney, Wales' mother, said he has never ceased to amaze her with his talent.

"Wales has always been determined, as well as being competitive, and able to pick up a skill quickly," Lynn said. "Proud is an understatement. I have been a country music fan my entire life and have always been a fan of the country music awards shows, so this is a big deal for our family."

"I truly believe God uses our circumstances and directs our path," Lynn said.

"Wales has an amazing testimony," she said. "I know he has inspired so many people to chase their dreams."

Directing a feature film or television show is among his future aspirations. "I see it as an exciting challenge and a natural progression in my filmmaking journey," he said.