To answer your question about Southern Rock these days: It's still around, just not on the grand scale as with the 70's Lynard Skynard glory days. The Allman Bros. band still tours, and are still damn good. A form of The Marshall Tucker band is still around, but without Toy C., just aren't the same. Warren Haynes and his band Government Mule made "heavy" southern rock in the 90's--I guess they are still together (I'm sure Haynes is still jamming). Then there is Southern Culture on the Skids (S.C.O.T.S. for short), who are legendary in North Carolina for such local hits as "Banana Pudding" and "8-Piece Box," the latter referring to a bucket of Fried Chicken, pieces of which they throw into the audience while they play the song.
As long as Southerners are drinking and playing guitars, there will be Southern rock--until the species dies out in other words!
David
"It's all right son . . . we told you what to dream"
