Marti Sharron, 56; producer co-wrote award-winning songs

Marti Sharron, 56, a songwriter and producer who co-wrote a number of award-winning pop songs starting in the 1980s, died March 15.

Paramedics took Sharron from her home in Beverly Hills to Sherman Oaks Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead, according to Capt. Ed Winter of the Los Angeles County coroner’s office. The cause had not been determined, he said.

Born Martha Vanessa Sharron, she had her first hit with “Jump for My Love,” which she co-wrote. The Pointer Sisters recorded it and won a Grammy for their rendition.

Sharron also co-wrote “Own the Night,” sung by Chaka Khan in a recording that was included in an album of music from “Miami Vice,” the popular 1980s television series.

“If I Could,” a song Sharron co-wrote about a parent’s love for a child, has been recorded by Ray Charles, Barbra Streisand and Celine Dion, among others.

As a producer, Sharron worked with Natalie Cole on her 1985 album “Dangerous” and with Anita Baker on “Rapture,” which won Baker a Grammy in 1986. Sharron also co-wrote “No One in the World” for Baker’s album.

Sharron was born in Ohio and raised in Florida. After graduating from the University of Miami, she moved to Los Angeles, where she was a receptionist, swimming instructor and auto body shop office worker before her musical talent began to pay off.