Gary Portnoy Gary Portnoy Gary Portnoy (born June 8, 1956) is an American musician and singer-songwriter. He is best known for co-writing and performing the main theme song of the NBC sitcom "Cheers", "Where Everybody Knows Your Name". In the early 1980s, Gary Portnoy and Judy Hart Angelo set out to write a theme for "Cheers". After their first two attempts were rejected, "Where Everybody Knows Your Name" was selected. Prior to that, Portnoy's songs had been recorded by various artists, including Dolly Parton's "Say Goodnight" (co-written by Susan Sheridan) and Air Supply's "I'll Never Get Enough of You" (co-written by Jeanne
Jerry Portnoy released an instructional package, "Jerry Portnoy's Blues Harmonica Masterclass", in 1997. In 2001, he released his second solo album, "Down in the Mood Room". Known for his dark, amplified tone, he has long been a favorite of both critics and peers. "The New York Times" (1987) said, "Mr. Portnoy crests like an alto saxophone." "Down Beat Magazine" (2002) said, "Portnoy has few equals as a harmonica player, blues or otherwise." Rick Estrin, a leading professional player as well, was quoted in "Blues Revue" (2002) as saying, "He can get so much sound out of that harp—such a beautiful, just enormous,