Southern Rock with Michelle Southern

Sam Leavitt was listed as doubtful after missing Wednesday’s practice with back spasms, but he returned for LSU’s lighter Thursday workout. Matt breaks down what the SEC availability report really means, when LSU must update Leavitt’s status, and why he still expects the quarterback to play Saturday in Oxford. He also looks at the timing of Ole Miss serving lawsuit papers to Princewill Umanmielen and whether gamesmanship is becoming part of the buildup to the biggest game of LSU’s season.

On this day in 1996, Tool released Ænima, an album that helped reshape modern rock and became a showcase for Danny Carey’s legendary drumming. Michelle Southern looks back at the album and the meaning Maynard James Keenan once shared behind “H.”

B.B. King was born on this day in 1925, and his influence reaches far beyond the blues. Michelle Southern looks back at how Riley B. King became B.B., the unmistakable guitar style that influenced generations of rock players, and his connection to Eric Clapton. Plus, the story behind today’s song, their version of “Rock Me Baby.”

Matt reacts to Ole Miss serving LSU defensive tackle Princewill Umanmielen with lawsuit paperwork during the week of the LSU-Ole Miss game. He explains why enforcing player contracts is not the problem, but questions the timing, the public handling of the situation and the leadership behind it. Then he delivers a blunt reminder about where Lane Kiffin will be standing Saturday.

Hayden Field of The Bends joins Michelle Southern ahead of the Baton Rouge band’s homecoming show at the Texas Club 09/17/26. They talk about forming at LSU, playing their first show at Battle of the Bands at Fred’s, the story behind the band’s name, the success of “Makeup,” signing with Warner Records and what it feels like to come home as everything is taking off. Plus, Hayden shares the band’s musical influences, some favorite Baton Rouge memories and what fans can expect from their debut album, If You Insist.

Matt updates the legal fight involving LSU players Da’Quan Wright and Zavian Harris after the SEC was denied a stay in its appeal. He explains why the NCAA and SEC may be opening themselves up to another lawsuit, then turns to LSU’s trip to Oxford. Ole Miss has struggled badly on defense through two games, while LSU’s offense and pass rush appear built to attack those weaknesses. The biggest challenge will be containing quarterback Trinidad Chambliss and finally getting him on the ground.

Huey Lewis and the News released the blockbuster album Sports on this day in 1983. Michelle looks back at the album’s biggest songs, the legal battle connecting “I Want a New Drug” to the Ghostbusters theme, and Huey Lewis’ explanation of what the song really means.

On September 14, 2004, Megadeth returned from a two-year hiatus with The System Has Failed. Michelle looks back at the album and “Of Mice and Men,” the deeply personal song Dave Mustaine wrote about surviving the anger, betrayal and fallout of being fired from Metallica at just 25 years old.

Matt breaks down LSU’s dominant win, the offensive mistakes that could become a bigger problem, and a defense that continues to impress. He also explains why the Saints made the right decision going for two against Detroit and looks ahead to another tough matchup in Baltimore.

Another major ruling is shaking up the eligibility battle involving Class of 2022 college football players. Matt Moscona explains why the NCAA scored a win in Colorado, why 16 players in Louisiana are still protected for now, and how it could impact Jack Pyburn’s potential return to LSU.

Matt reacts to another tough injury for the Saints as Alvin Kamara joins Jordan Tyson on the sidelines. Plus, the latest from LSU practice, including updates on Harlem Berry, DJ Pickett, Jordan Ross and Ed Orgeron’s continued absence.

Today’s Southern Salute remembers ZZ Top drummer Frank Beard, who has died at 77. From helping put the band’s classic lineup together to providing the backbeat for more than 50 years, Frank was an essential part of that unmistakable ZZ Top sound. Michelle looks back at his life, his friendship with Dusty Hill and Billy Gibbons, and a few things you may not have known about the man behind the kit.

Matt has the latest from LSU fall camp after the Tigers returned to practice Monday. He breaks down several notable absences, including Ed Orgeron, Harlem Berry and others, plus some encouraging injury updates as LSU nears the end of camp. Matt also checks in on the Saints after their first preseason game, including the players who made the most of their opportunity against Jacksonville.

57 years ago today, Joe Cocker took the stage on the final day of Woodstock and closed his set with a performance that became one of the festival’s defining moments. Michelle looks back at Cocker’s legendary version of “With a Little Help from My Friends,” the storm that followed his set, and how the song later found a whole new audience through The Wonder Years.

Michelle remembers Skip Bertman and the impact he had on generations of LSU fans. Five national championships only tell part of the story. Skip built LSU baseball into "The Powerhouse," helped shape the future of LSU athletics and created a culture that still fills Alex Box Stadium and sends Tiger fans to Omaha every June.

Matt reflects on the life and legacy of Skip Bertman, who died at 88. From building LSU baseball into a national powerhouse to changing the way college baseball is viewed across the country, Skip’s impact on LSU, Baton Rouge and Louisiana sports is almost impossible to measure.

On this day in 1966, The Lovin’ Spoonful hit #1 with “Summer in the City,” a song that broke new ground by putting real street sounds right into the recording. And on a brutally hot August day in Louisiana, it feels especially appropriate for today’s Southern Salute.

The dispute over LSU giving No. 5 to DJ Pickett has taken another turn. Matt Moscona breaks down Jayden Daniels’ cease and desist, the request for LSU to return its copy of his Heisman Trophy, why LSU isn’t completely blameless, and why Daniels may be doing real damage to his legacy in Baton Rouge.

After weeks of incredible entries and tons of votes, Eagle 98.1 officially has an Oh Say Can You Sing champion! Michelle Southern calls winner Maggie Tauzin, to surprise her with the news that she won a New Orleans getaway and tickets to see Bryan Adams and Pat Benatar. Hear Maggie talk about her music, how her winning performance came together, and then listen to the national anthem that earned her the victory.

Nobody saw this coming. One of the top high school pitchers in the country declined to sign with the Cleveland Guardians after they drafted him in the second round. Now LSU suddenly has a chance to land Logan Schmidt, a flamethrowing lefty who was never expected to make it to campus. Matt explains how an unusual draft mistake created this opportunity, what Schmidt's options are now, and why Jay Johnson might have a chance to pull off one of the biggest recruiting wins in recent LSU baseball history.

Wrapping up our coverage from SEC Football Media Days, Matt Moscona recaps the biggest stories from the final day in Tampa. Why Lane Kiffin disappeared from social media, the latest on Sam Levitt, and the stunning decision by prized LSU signee Logan Schmidt to turn down pro baseball and head to Baton Rouge. A fitting finish to a week full of headlines from around the SEC.

Stephanie Seymour turns 58 today, and Slash celebrates his 61st birthday. Michelle Southern looks back at the unforgettable "November Rain" video, one of the most ambitious and expensive music videos ever made. From Stephanie Seymour starring as Axl Rose's bride to Slash's iconic guitar solo outside the church, this Southern Salute revisits the story behind one of rock's most legendary songs and videos.

One year after the passing of Ozzy Osbourne, Michelle Southern looks back on the life and legacy of the Prince of Darkness. From helping create heavy metal with Black Sabbath to his unforgettable final performance in his hometown of Birmingham, this Southern Salute honors one of rock's most influential and beloved artists before playing the timeless Black Sabbath classic, "Changes."

Day 3 of SEC Football Media Days featured an unexpected headliner as Ole Miss grabbed the spotlight while Alabama faced questions about its place in the SEC under Kalen DeBoer. Matt shares why Pete Golding changed his opinion, what he learned from a quick conversation with Ole Miss running back Kewon Lacey, and why Texas A&M and Florida remain two of the conference's most intriguing teams. Plus, all eyes now turn to LSU and Lane Kiffin as they prepare to take over Media Days.

On this day in 1990, Roger Waters staged one of the biggest concerts in rock history, bringing The Wall to Berlin just months after the fall of the Berlin Wall. Michelle Southern looks back at the historic performance, the all-star lineup that joined him, and the story behind Pink Floyd's iconic "Comfortably Numb."

Matt Moscona recaps Day 2 from SEC Football Media Days in Tampa, where Georgia, Auburn, South Carolina, and Vanderbilt took the stage. Hear why Kirby Smart admitted Lane Kiffin has been one of the toughest offensive minds to prepare for, what that could mean as Kiffin takes over at LSU, and why Vanderbilt's rapid rise under Diego Pavia has changed the conversation around the SEC. Plus, Matt explains why there are no guaranteed wins anymore in the conference, with programs like South Carolina and Vanderbilt proving every week is a challenge.

Happy birthday to legendary guitarist Carlos Santana! Michelle celebrates by sharing the story behind "Put Your Lights On," the Everlast collaboration from Santana's blockbuster 1999 album Supernatural. Hear how Santana reinvented his sound, why the song spoke to him on a deeper level, and why he's remained one of rock's most enduring artists.

Matt Moscona recaps Day 1 of SEC Football Media Days, including why Oklahoma could be a legitimate national championship contender, the pressure mounting on Tennessee ahead of LSU's trip to Knoxville, Missouri's search for a breakthrough season, and Kentucky's new head coach making one of the day's most confident statements. Plus, the biggest takeaways LSU fans should be watching as Media Days continue.

Musso breaks down a letter obtained by LouisianaSports.net revealing LSU has invited its top athletic donors to a private presentation at the Governor's Mansion next month. LSU President Wade Rousse is expected to unveil what the university calls a "first of its kind" revenue generating opportunity that could reshape college athletics. Musso explains why private equity is a likely topic, how LSU has already become a leader in athletic revenue, and what this could mean for the future of the Tigers.

Michelle pays tribute to Bonnie Tyler following her passing at age 75. Hear the incredible story behind her unmistakable raspy voice, why "Holding Out for a Hero" became an 80s rock anthem, and why her music continues to stand the test of time.

Musso fills in for Matt Moscona and breaks down a proposal that could change the transfer portal forever. The NCAA is considering a legal tampering period, giving schools a designated window to contact student-athletes before the portal opens. Could it bring some much-needed structure to the Wild West of college athletics? Musso explains what it would mean and why organized programs like LSU could benefit.

Michelle celebrates Beck's birthday by looking back at one of the most original artists in rock. Hear how "Where It's At" came together, where the famous "two turntables and a microphone" line actually came from, and why the song helped define the sound of the 1990s.

Musso breaks down LSU's latest recruiting win as four-star Ruston safety Jaden Anding commits to the Tigers over Ole Miss. He explains why the decision took an extra week, how Anding reunites with his older brother in Baton Rouge, where he fits into LSU's loaded young safety room, and why the Tigers may not be done adding talent to the secondary with another top cornerback still on the radar.

Michelle looks back at the release of Barenaked Ladies' breakthrough album Stunt, shares why it was the soundtrack to her graduation year in 1998, and explains how "One Week" became the band's biggest hit.

Matt Musso fills in for Matt Moscona with a look at LSU baseball's latest transfer portal win. The Tigers landed Oregon freshman standout Angel Laya, one of the nation's top available players, giving Jay Johnson another major addition to an already loaded recruiting class. Musso breaks down what Laya brings to the lineup, how he fits into LSU's outfield, and why the Tigers' 2027 roster is quickly becoming one of the most complete in college baseball.

Before the stadiums, before Bohemian Rhapsody, and before Queen became one of the biggest bands in rock history, there was Keep Yourself Alive. In this episode, Michelle Southern looks back at Queen's debut single, released on July 6, 1973, and the surprising reason it struggled to get radio airplay. Hear what guitarist Brian May said about the song's slow start, how that lesson shaped Queen's future hits, and why the message of staying true to yourself is just as meaningful today as it was more than 50 years ago.

On July 1, 1968, a little-known group released an album that didn't make much noise on the charts, but completely changed the direction of rock music. In today's Southern Salute, Michelle looks back at Music from Big Pink, how Bob Dylan helped shape the record, why some of rock's biggest legends called it a masterpiece, and why The Band remains one of the most influential groups of all time. Plus, the story behind Michelle's favorite song from the album.

Recruiting plans changed in a hurry as four-star safety Jaden Anding postponed his commitment after a late push from Ole Miss. Musso in for Matt breaks down where LSU stands with Anding, the battle for Davion Jones, and why the Tigers are in great position to flip Greedy James from Texas. Despite the last minute twists, LSU still appears poised for a big week on the recruiting trail.

Steve Winwood was already a rock legend before 1986, but one album took his solo career to another level. Michelle looks back at Back in the High Life, the all-star musicians behind it, and how "Higher Love" became one of the defining songs of the decade in today's Southern Salute.