Brooks Young had played with some well-known musicians, sharing stages with the likes of B.B. King, The Wallflowers, and Three Dog Night. 

Despite these impressive collaborations, he never bragged. For Brooks, music was about joy and connection — whether he was performing at a major event, jamming at an open mic night or simply watching others play.

Hank Osborne, who met Brooks in 2006 at Strings & Things Music, a musical instrument store in Concord, where Brooks worked, remembers his friend as friendly and down-to-earth.

 “I wouldn’t have called him boisterous or flamboyant,” Osborne said. “He was humble. He would sit down and listen to these other folks play, always be encouraging.”

Young, a 42-year-old blues guitarist from Gilmanton, known for his soulful playing and powerful voice which made him a staple in Concord’s music scene, died Friday following a car accident.

At around 7 a.m., Alton police responded to a crash on Henry Wilson Highway/Route 11 near the New Durham line. 

When they arrived, they determined through an investigation that a white Nissan Sentra, operated by 18-year-old Spencer Manchester, of Middleton, was proceeding westbound when it crossed the centerline into the eastbound lane, colliding head-on with a tan Subaru Forester operated by Young.

Young was taken via ambulance from   the scene and later died of his injuries. Manchester was taken to a nearby hospital and treated for injuries believed to be non-life-threatening.

The loss of Young has left a void in the hearts of the music community and in the lives of many who knew him beyond his music.

Tom Arnold, former owner of Arnie’s Place, a barbecue restaurant on Loudon Road, reflected on Young's passing. He said Young was taken far too soon.

“I knew him more as a human being than I knew him as a musician,” said Arnold. “He was a good person.”

A graduate of Concord High School, Brooks was introduced to music by his grandfather, a connection that would shape his life. Young was always close to a guitar. 

Dick Shaw, a local musician who has also played with him, said that Young was a devoted and serious musician.

“He was just dynamite when he was playing, both with his voice and music,” said Shaw. “I was looking forward to playing with him later this week.”

For the music scene in New Hampshire it’s a huge loss, said Osborne.

“We've definitely lost a bright plane,” said Osborne. “ Obviously people won't get a chance to hear him rip and shred his guitar and I think some folks will miss the chance to have him encourage them to play.”

The family will hold a wake on Nov. 18 between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Smart Memorial Home, 584 West Main St., Tilton.

The crash remains under investigation.

Sruthi Gopalakrishnan can be reached at sgopalakrishnan@cmonitor.com