one trick pony

[godfreyrust]

This phrase is now in widespread usage. It was the title of a Paul Simon song in 1980, and I want to know if he coined it. I recall an interview from the time in which Annie Nightingale asked him if it was a well-known phrase, and I think he indicated it was something he had made up. I've searched various sites and can't find any references before 1980, just some speculative assumptions. Does anybody know any reference that pre-dates 1980?

[Clanad]

According to the usually reliable The Phrase Finder 1980 is probably the genesis of the pharse... but that year included a movie by the same name, in which Paul Simon also had a part and sang his song... thankfully, he wasn't an example of that which is depicted in his song...

[godfreyrust]

Thanks for that Clanad. If its so its interesting that Simon coined something which people have since assumed has a long history from circuses or "dog and pony shows". Anyone else have anything further back?

[jno]

I know I'd already heard the phrase when I first heard the song, probably within the previous year or two - but I don't have any proof or any references, sorry.

[Kingaroo]

The song and movie weren't terribly popular, I'd be surprised if the phrase could have become well-known based only on them.