Southern Rock with Michelle Southern

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.

Could LSU be about to land two four-star safeties in back to back days? Matt explains why the Tigers are trending with Jaden Anding and Davion Jones, and what the timing of both commitments could mean for Brian Kelly's recruiting momentum.

David Paich turns 72 today. We celebrate the songwriter, keyboard player, and legendary session musician whose work helped shape some of the biggest rock hits of the late '70s and '80s, along with a career that includes performances on countless classic albums.

Matt explains why LSU baseball signee Colton Chrisman is no longer headed to Baton Rouge and how the Tigers' roster crunch under the NCAA's new scholarship rules could lead to even more departures before the season begins. Plus, a look at LSU's continued activity in the transfer portal and why the Pelicans may just be getting started after the NBA Draft.

Today we celebrate the 79th birthday of Mick Fleetwood, the drummer, co-founder, and driving force behind Fleetwood Mac. Michelle looks back at his lasting impact on one of rock's greatest bands and wraps up the tribute with a deeper cut from the Fleetwood Mac catalog.

The NCAA has approved a major overhaul of athlete eligibility. Matt Moscona explains the new five-years-to-play-five model, why redshirts are essentially disappearing, and how the change impacts everyone from LSU and McNeese to international recruits and future record books.

Pastor Tony Spell speaks publicly for the first time since his arrest on a second-degree battery charge. Authorities say the case involves a confrontation with a neighbor near Life Tabernacle Church in Central. Spell disputes the allegations and says he looks forward to presenting his side in court.

A coaching change at Michigan has opened a surprise transfer portal window, and now Final Four Most Outstanding Player Elliot Cadeau is a name to watch. Matt Moscona explains why LSU could be in the mix, how the Tigers' point guard situation factors in, and why NIL money may not be an obstacle.

Today on the Southern Salute, Michelle celebrates the 71st birthday of Glenn Danzig, the legendary frontman of The Misfits and Danzig. From helping create horror punk to scoring a rock radio classic with "Mother," Danzig's influence on punk, metal, and hard rock continues more than four decades after he first hit the stage. 🎸🤘

LSU flipped wide receiver Gary Burney from Houston over the weekend, but this isn't just about adding another receiver. Matt Moscona explains how Lane Kiffin and Billy Glasscock are building LSU's roster in the NIL era, focusing on depth, development, and long-term value instead of spending heavily on a handful of star players. It's a recruiting philosophy that's becoming increasingly clear as the Tigers continue to add pieces to their 2027 class.

Michelle's Southern Salute looks back at June 22, 1993, when The Flaming Lips released Transmissions From The Satellite Heart. Featuring "She Don't Use Jelly," the band's only major radio hit, the album launched them from cult favorite to MTV regular and introduced a whole new audience to one of rock's most unique bands.

LSU continues building its 2027 baseball roster, and this week brought some much-needed pitching news. Matt breaks down top left-handed prospect Braxton Beatty officially withdrawing from the MLB Draft to become a Tiger, why that's a big win for Jay Johnson, and how USC transfer Diego Velasquez adds another power arm to a pitching staff that desperately needs reinforcements. Plus, a look at LSU's portal additions, roster needs, and what's next as the Tigers continue rebuilding their pitching depth.

On this day in 1985, Weird Al Yankovic released Dare to Be Stupid. Michelle looks back at the album that featured "Like a Surgeon," "Yoda," and the Devo-inspired title track, while also becoming the first comedy album ever released on compact disc.

Lane Kiffin says LSU is going to win a national championship. During an appearance on Tyrann Mathieu's podcast, the Tigers' head coach made his boldest public statement yet about the future of the program. Matt explains why LSU's recent recruiting success, including another five-star commitment, backs up Kiffin's confidence and highlights the difference between recruiting at LSU and Ole Miss.Plus, the 1997 LSU baseball team's home run record survives after Georgia's elimination from the College World Series, and Matt looks ahead to the championship series between Oklahoma and North Carolina.

LSU keeps stacking elite talent on the recruiting trail. Matt breaks down the commitment of Top 50 edge rusher Chris Whitehead, why Brian Kelly and Billy Glasscock are investing heavily in elite high school prospects, and what it says about the future of the Tigers' defensive front. Plus, LSU baseball adds another intriguing transfer portal arm with USC's Diego Velasquez.

Today’s Southern Salute celebrates the 29th anniversary of Blink-182’s breakthrough album Dude Ranch. Michelle looks back at the record that introduced the world to "Dammit," helped launch the band into the mainstream, and marked the end of an era before Travis Barker joined the lineup. Plus, the story behind the song that changed everything for Blink-182.

One of the biggest songs of the 1990s came with one of rock's strangest legal battles. Today we look back at the release of The Verve's "Bitter Sweet Symphony" and the sample that changed everything.

Matt breaks down Cam Jordan's return to the Saints for what could be the final season of his legendary career. Why the future Hall of Famer had to adjust his expectations, what his role will look like in 2026, and why the deal works for both sides. Plus, LSU continues its recruiting momentum with another four-star commitment and could be adding even more talent to the backfield.

Today on the Southern Salute, Michelle celebrates Night Ranger guitarist Brad Gillis on his birthday. From his incredible performance at L'Auberge just two weeks ago to stepping in for Ozzy Osbourne after the death of Randy Rhoads, Brad's career is packed with amazing rock and roll history.

Jay Johnson adds another major piece to LSU's transfer portal haul with former Tulane outfielder Jason Walks. Matt breaks down how the Tigers are building an elite defensive lineup, why the portal strategy looks different this year, and why LSU's championship hopes may ultimately depend on the development of pitchers already on the roster.

June 12, 1985: David Lee Roth officially confirms he's leaving Van Halen just months after the massive success of 1984. Today's Southern Salute looks back at the creative clash between Roth and Eddie Van Halen and the split that changed the future of one of rock's biggest bands.

LSU gets a massive offseason boost as Steven Milam officially withdraws from the MLB Draft and returns for his senior season. Musso explains why getting back one of the nation's best defensive shortstops and postseason performers is a game-changer for the Tigers. Plus, LSU adds Florida transfer Cade Kurland to the mix, giving Jay Johnson another proven SEC bat and glove. What does the Tigers' infield look like now, and how close is this roster to another championship run? Musso breaks it all down.

On this day in 1991, Skid Row released Slave to the Grind, a record that shocked fans, debuted at number one, and proved the band was willing to take a huge risk at the peak of its popularity. Michelle looks back at the album that changed everything for Skid Row.

Matt reacts to the Brendan Sorsby situation at Texas Tech, where a quarterback ruled permanently ineligible by the NCAA after admitting to sports betting is now back in the conversation because of a court injunction. Matt says the bigger issue is the moral gymnastics being used to defend it.

LSU lands the top player in the transfer portal, and Matt explains why this is a game-changing addition for Jay Johnson. From a last-minute recruiting win over Texas to what Bino Waters brings to the lineup, this move could have the biggest impact of any LSU position player transfer since Tommy White.

On this day in 2007, The Sopranos delivered one of the most talked-about finales in television history. Michelle looks back at the moment Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'" became more than a classic rock hit and how a sudden cut to black helped turn the song into a cultural phenomenon for a whole new generation. Steve Perry almost didn't approve it, but the gamble paid off in a big way.

On June 9, 2008, LSU played the final game in the history of the original Alex Box Stadium. With a trip to Omaha on the line, the Tigers exploded for 21 runs against UC Irvine and delivered the perfect ending to one of college baseball's most iconic ballparks. Michelle Southern looks back at the final chapter of The Box and why Tiger fans still remember that night nearly two decades later.

On this edition of Southern Salute, Michelle looks back at June 9, 1986, when Genesis released Invisible Touch, the album that transformed the band into a global pop powerhouse. From the title track becoming their only No. 1 hit to a string of Top 5 singles that dominated radio and MTV, this was the album that put Genesis on another level. Plus, a subtle nod to one of the most famous Phil Collins speeches in movie history. Sponsored by Chad's Collision Center. Integrity. Pride. Quality.

A Texas judge has ruled that Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby can play in 2026 despite admitting to betting on sports, including games involving his own team. The decision has sparked outrage across college athletics and raises major questions about NCAA authority, university leadership, and where the line is drawn in the NIL and transfer portal era. Matt breaks down why this ruling could have far-reaching consequences for the future of college sports.

June 8, 1996. LSU and Miami. Bottom of the ninth. Two outs. One swing that changed college baseball history. Thirty years later, Warren Morris' walk-off home run remains one of the most unforgettable moments in sports, and hearing Jim Hawthorne's legendary radio call still has a way of stopping you in your tracks. The crowd, the excitement, the disbelief in Hawthorne's voice... it all comes rushing back. Take a trip back to Rosenblatt Stadium and relive the moment that delivered LSU its third national championship and created a memory Tiger fans have carried with them for three decades. If you're an LSU fan, this audio still gives you chillbumps.

LSU's 2027 recruiting class got a whole lot bigger in the span of 24 hours. Matt breaks down the commitments from five-star edge rusher KJ Green, running back Brennan Lacey, cornerback Marquez Davis, and wide receiver Cade Cooper. He explains why Green's commitment could ease the sting of losing Jaden Bryant to Miami, why LSU is betting on long-term development with several of these prospects, and how Brian Kelly's staff is building serious momentum on the recruiting trail.

Before Christian rock became a regular part of mainstream radio, one song helped break through. Michelle Southern looks back at Jars of Clay's 1996 hit "Flood," the unexpected crossover success that changed the conversation and helped pave the way for a new generation of rock bands.

A few years ago, losing a five-star recruit would have sent LSU fans into full panic mode. Not anymore. Matt explains why edge rusher Jayden Bryant's flip from LSU to Miami is more a reflection of modern college football than a recruiting disaster. Between NIL, the transfer portal, and LSU's continued pursuit of elite defensive line talent, the Tigers may not be nearly as affected as fans think. It's another example of how recruiting has changed and why programs are approaching roster building differently than ever before.

On this day in 1966, a young singer from Texas arrived in San Francisco to join a struggling rock band. What happened next helped create one of the most powerful voices in music history and launched a career that still influences artists today.

Matt reacts to Alvin Kamara's appearance at Saints OTAs and explains why it doesn't necessarily mean his future in New Orleans is settled beyond this season. Plus, LSU baseball is already working the transfer portal. Matt breaks down several names to watch, including Northwestern State standout Brody Trosclair, Tulane slugger Jason Walk, Maryland infielder Ty Conus, and Gonzaga power bat Mikey Bell.

In today's Southern Salute, Michelle shares the story of a rock legend who interrupted a major U.S. tour, flew across the Atlantic, changed a single word in a song, and flew right back. It sounds unbelievable, but that tiny change helped preserve one of the most iconic rock songs ever recorded. Find out why one word was worth a 6,000-mile journey.

LSU just wrapped up a massive recruiting weekend featuring four five-star prospects, including the No. 1 player in America, and they’re already rolling into the next big visit. Matt breaks down why Brian Kelly and the Tigers are putting so much emphasis and NIL money into elite defensive linemen, what it says about the future roster build, and why the staff believes these are the players who can make an immediate impact in Baton Rouge. Plus, a quick look at the LSU baseball transfer portal and why Matt says Tiger fans should consider adopting Little Rock during the postseason.

This weekend wasn’t just another recruiting visit weekend at LSU. It felt different. Matt breaks down the massive impact of Coach O’s return to the program, including the viral moment of him leading top recruits and their families through Tiger Stadium before kickoff. From the nation’s number one player Jalen Brewster to elite wide receiver Easton Royal and several five-star targets, LSU made a major statement this weekend. Matt also dives into something fans don’t always think about in modern recruiting: character evaluation in the NIL and transfer portal era. Why Lane Kiffin and the staff are prioritizing players willing to buy in long term, not just talented players looking for a quick exit.

Today’s Southern Salute looks back at the release of Blink-182’s Enema of the State on this day in 1999. Michelle Southern talks about how the album helped launch pop punk into the mainstream with hits like “What’s My Age Again?,” “All The Small Things,” and “Adam’s Song,” while becoming the soundtrack for an entire generation.