Gary Portnoy Biography & Awards

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Artist Info

Biography

Songwriter Gary Portnoy is best known as the gentleman who penned the memorable theme song for the TV show Cheers, titled "Where Everybody Knows Your Name" (which also became a hit when later issued as a single). Before his lone hit, Portnoy had issued an overlooked self-titled solo album on Columbia Records in 1980. He also wrote the themes for Punky Brewster and Mr. Belvedere, as well as a song used in Fame titled "I Still Believe in Me." He recorded additional solo albums during the 2000s, although proof of his lasting appeal registered in 2001 when an antique bar stool with the Cheers song's lyrics and Portnoy's autograph appeared at an internet auction. ~ Greg Prato, All Music Guide