Brian Doerksen Releases New Single ‘Father to Son’

Brian Doerksen, a Canadian artist whose songs are sung in faith communities worldwide, is preparing to release a reimagined 30th-anniversary version of his heartfelt song, “Father to Son.” This song, originally penned in the early 1990s when Brian’s first son, Benjamin, was born, holds deep personal meaning. At the time, Doerksen had no idea that Benjamin would be diagnosed with Fragile X Syndrome, requiring full-time support for life. The song became the opening track for the musical Father’s House, where a young man receives a mysterious card that triggers this powerful tune, setting the stage for a father-son narrative that resonates with listeners.

The 30th-anniversary version stays true to its original arrangement, featuring the familiar nylon guitar played by Brian Thiessen. The reimagined song includes two cello parts symbolizing the tender and intricate relationship between father and son. Though Brian’s vocal range has shifted over the years, this new version remains deeply connected to its core message—expressing the love and value of sons and daughters, reminding us all of the treasured relationship we have with our Heavenly Father.

Doerksen’s career spans decades of deeply impactful music, with songs like Faithful One, Come, Now Is the Time to Worship, and Refiner’s Fire becoming staples in worship services around the world. In 2008, he received a JUNO Award for Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album of the Year and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Gospel Music Association of Canada in 2014. His recent works, including Hymns for Life and collaborations with artists like Marika Siewert, continue to shape the Christian music landscape. As Brian embarks on new projects, including his songwriting program Unlocking Your Songs, his legacy of music that brings hope, healing, and faith remains stronger than ever. Brian lives with his wife Joyce, their six children—two of whom have special needs—and continues to create music from his home in Abbotsford, B.C.