BMG JV Darrell Franklin

FRANKLIN MINT: BMG Chrysalis has entered a joint venture with pub vet Darrell Franklin, who formerly headed BMG Nashville. Franklin Publishing & Writer Management's first signing is Chris Wallin, who's penned tunes for Brad Paisley, Toby Keith, Kenny Chesney, Trace Adkins, Montgomery Gentry and other artists. During his tenure at BMG Nasvhille, Franklin worked with such writers as John Paul White of The Civil Wars, Melissa Peirce and Jonathan Singleton; he joined the pubbery after BMG acquired his Crosstown Songs, which he co-founded with Dann Huff. Asked for comment, BMG chief Hartwig Masuch noted, "Ziss development is highly advantageous, und my team tells me it merits a 'yee-haw.' Vatever zat is." (11/14p)