Dead Horse Branding (DHB) proudly celebrates its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of groundbreaking work across music, talent, lifestyle, and brand development industries. Founded in 2015 by Melissa Core-Caballo and Rick Caballo, DHB has carved a unique niche as a multi-vertical brand development agency for artists and companies alike. Corporate clients seek out DHB’s style and edge to infuse persona into their otherwise polished brands. From building fully integrated identities for artists and entertainment partners to shaping innovative campaigns for global companies, DHB’s influence spans continents, with a strong presence in both Nashville and Australia.
What began as a small, visionary agency with a passion for bridging gaps in the music and branding industry has quickly grown into a powerhouse. Early clients included Duck Dynasty, Steven Tyler’s solo band “Loving Mary,” Tony Brown (Country Music Hall of Fame Class of 2025 Inductee, former President of MCA Records Nashville, keys player for Elvis Presley’s TCB Band, produced George Strait, Reba McEntire, Trisha Yearwood), Baha Men’s “Who Let the Dogs Out,” Kathy Anderson Design Studio, Serenade Cabinetry, Hendrix Music Academy, and Gigi’s Cupcakes. Major milestones include managing The O’Connor Band to a Grammy win for Best Bluegrass Album, creating the DH7 Educational Program in collaboration with Joel A. Katz and Kennesaw State University, and lecturing at Belmont University and Middle Tennessee State University. DHB’s work continues to have a global impact, with lasting contributions to students and brands alike, including collaborations and clients like Freebird, Robert’s Western World, Quartz Hill Music Group, Keith Thomas (Amy Grant, Vanessa Williams, Whitney Houston, and Mandy Moore), Aaron Pearce (Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Justin Bieber), and Michael Jay (Celine Dion, Martika, Eminem).
Melissa Core-Caballo reflects, “It’s incredible to look back at anything in life and realize your goals were nothing but an idea in your mind and a feeling that runs through your body. As I sit here today reflecting on 10 years that Dead Horse Branding has achieved, I couldn’t be more proud of my partner in crime Rick Caballo, the quality and bar that he sets is extremely high and his vision and knowledge of branding is truly unmatchable. Thank you to all of our clients and staff and most importantly a massive thank you to Tony Brown, managing Tony and working alongside him every day is an absolute dream and Dead Horse might not have gotten off the ground If he didn’t take a chance on us. I thank God for answering my prayers and continuing to lead me on this beautiful journey called life. To me this is the definition of MAGIC!.”
DHB’s approach to branding spans seven core elements: Consulting, Logo Design, Photography, Web Development, Marketing & Social Media, Publicity, and Licensing. This methodology has earned numerous accolades, including International Design Award Design Awards, NYC Big Book Awards, and recognition as Best PR & Marketing Agency in Nashville (2020-2024).
Rick Caballo adds, “It’s nice to see that after 10 years of living through the evolution of time and technology our core beliefs and execution of what we do hasn’t changed. Our method works, and it’s more relevant now than ever. To have the legendary Tony Brown as a client from the beginning of our business and continuing till this day is one of best compliments or awards we have ever received. It also feels good knowing we’re surrounded by team members who know exactly where to go and what to do next, assuring the DHB vision is on point. The President of Operations, Brittany Hambrick, and Publicity Manager, Danielle Reiss. There’s a real sense of pride and reassurance knowing we’re on the right path.”
Brittany adds, “When a brand is built and executed the right way from the ground up, you don’t have to figure out individual plans for marketing, social media, photography, videography, design, or merchandising, the strategy writes itself. That’s the power of the DHB method.”
Over the years, DHB has long expanded well beyond music and entertainment into photography, videography, and book publishing. Rick’s award-winning creative work includes photographing icons like Johnny Depp, Alice Cooper, Brooks and Dunn, Reba McEntire, Trisha Yearwood, George Strait and Tony Brown, as well as directing projects for Buck Johnson (Hollywood Vampires, Aerosmith, Ringo Starr) and Australian country rock artist Jayne Denham featuring Colt Ford. The agency has also collaborated with major publishing houses like Hachette, Ingram, and Simon & Schuster, with notable projects like Tony Brown’s Elvis Strait to Jesus book, a New York City Big Book Award winner for Arts and Entertainment.
Major campaign partnerships remain a cornerstone of DHB’s success. The agency has spearheaded high-profile projects, including Cyndi Lauper’s DETOUR, the Bo Diddley Estate—with licensing collaborations through the Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Axe Heaven, Taylor Guitars, Sweetwater, Yo-Zuri, Old Gringo, Fender, Yeti, and City Winery. DHB also continues to collaborate with major labels such as Sony, Warner, and Universal to drive publishing, songwriting, and artist development initiatives.
“The next chapter for DHB is all about continuing to build on what we’ve established and making an even greater impact,” says Rick. “We’re always looking for new ways to innovate and help our clients succeed.”
Celebrating 10 years, DHB remains fearless in its pursuit of creativity, shaping the future of music, talent, and branding, and delivering iconic work for brands around the world. Many don’t realize the full scope of DHB’s capabilities; far beyond websites, publicity and marketing, DHB’s strength and genius is in building lasting legacies, developing brands from the ground up that are designed to stand the test of time.
