Black Gospel choir music has deep roots in 19th-century spirituals and African rhythmic traditions. By the 1930s, its growth exploded thanks to Thomas A.
Dorsey, often called “The Father of Gospel Music.” For generations, Gospel choirs have been the heartbeat of the church experience and powerful symbols of cultural unity, peace, and inspiration.
Today’s Gospel choirs and choruses keep that legacy alive by blending classic hymns with contemporary sounds. Jamar Esaw & Triad 4 Christ are part of that new generation carrying the tradition forward.
The group started in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and grew out of the Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA). “I was moved to found Jamar Esaw & Triad 4 Christ, interpreting ‘Triad’ as three parts coming together to make one chord,” Jamar explains. “The numeric value of the choir’s name holds deeper significance — 3 (Triad) + 4 = 7, a biblical numeral signifying completeness, and ‘Christ’ denotes everything being perfected in Christ.”
Now based in Nashville, Tennessee, with members across the country, the group is stepping into a new chapter with a fresh vision, a new label home, and new music. Their long-awaited single, “He’s My Rock,” was recorded live in Nashville.
The song was co-written by Jamar and Ay’Ron Lewis. “I had been comfortable with only arranging for years until ‘He’s My Rock,’” Jamar says. “My producer Ay’Ron Lewis facilitated my growth by insisting I co-write with him.”
Multiple award-winning producer and musician Ay’Ron Lewis produced the track (and Triad 4 Christ’s forthcoming album). The single also features powerhouse vocalist Adriann Lewis-Freeman.
“It was truly an honor to lend my voice to ‘He’s My Rock,’” Adriann shares. “Songs like this remind us that no matter what life brings, God remains our firm foundation. Working with Jamar Esaw and Triad 4 Christ was powerful, and I believe this song will encourage people everywhere to stand on the truth that God is still our rock.”
