One Trick Pony is a 1980 movie starring Paul Simon, it also has a partial soundtrack album of the same name. Simon plays Jonah, a once-popular rock star who has not had a hit in 10 years, and who now opens for punk rock bands. He is trying to record a new album, but faces a number of obstacles, including a trendy but talentless producer, who is trying to convince him to compromise his principles, and an indifferent record company which is pressuring him for something that will sell. He is also trying to restore his relationship with his former wife and his young son.
The movie has been said to be based on experiences Simon's professional and personal life. Walter Fox, the record company executive portrayed by Rip Torn, was rumoured to be based Walter Yentnikoff, who was President of CBS Records, Simon's former label, in the 70s. (Simon went to Warner Bros. Records in 1979 ) The movie also featured the last appearance of the original members of the Lovin' Spoonful, in a simulated TV show appearance.
The song "Late in the Evening," off the film's soundtrack, hit #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts.
Floyd Vivino was supposed to appear in this film as the night club owner, but none of his scenes made the final cut.
During the film's credits, Paul Simon & co. (The Jonah Levin Band) are shown driving through what is ostensibly a highway between Cleveland's airport and The City. The footage is actually Route 22, in Union, New Jersey.
