The Classic was founded in 1990 by Fred Jones, a Memphis native who has produced concerts for nationally known acts around the country. It was his goal to produce an event that would attract people from all over the United States. Each year, that goal is realized again and again as 50,000 people from approximately 30 states attend the game. As if the impressive attendance and boost to the city's economy wasn't enough to label the Classic a success, the organization also distributes money to charities through the Southern Heritage Foundation.
In addition to the game, there are several days of events leading up to kick-off. These events include concerts, luncheons, parades, and parties. Click here for this year's schedule of events.
Below are the scores from previous Southern Heritage Classics.
| Year | Winning Team and Score | Opponent and Score |
| 1990 | Tennessee State -- 23 | Jackson State -- 14 |
| 1991 | Mississippi Valley State -- 10 | Tennessee State -- 7 |
| 1992 | Jackson State -- 38 | Tennessee State -- 18 |
| 1993 | Grambling State -- 33 | Tennessee State 28 |
| 1994 | Jackson State -- 31 | Tennessee State -- 12 |
| 1995 | Jackson State -- 24 | Tennessee State -- 19 |
| 1996 | Jackson State -- 21 | Tennessee State -- 14 |
| 1997 | Jackson State -- 31 | Tennessee State -- 28 |
| 1998 | Tennessee State -- 33 | Jackson State -- 21 |
| 1999 | Tennessee State -- 48 | Jackson State -- 33 |
| 2000 | Jackson State -- 42 | Tennessee State -- 39 |
| 2001 | Tennessee State -- 64 | Jackson State -- 33 |
| 2002 | Jackson State -- 31 | Tennessee State -- 28 |
| 2003 | Tennessee State -- 44 | Jackson State -- 14 |
| 2004 | Tennessee State -- 21 | Jackson State -- 20 |
| 2005 | Tennessee State -- 20 | Jackson State -- 14 |
| 2006 | Tennessee State -- 31 | Jackson State -- 30 |
| 2007 | Tennessee State -- 16 | Jackson State -- 13 |
| 2008 | Tennessee State -- 41 | Jackson State -- 18 |
| 2009 | Tennessee State -- 14 | Jackson State -- 7 |
| 2010 | Jackson State -- 33 | Tennessee State -- 26 |
