BOSTON, Nov. 26, 1997 -- Radio personality Norm Nathan's friendly voice, good humor, and witty stories will again reach the scores of fans who have missed his audio companionship since Nathan's untimely passing in 1996. An audio cassette, "Sounds in the Night; A Norm Nathan Retrospective," was released November 29, 1997. The tape contains magical and funny moments from Nathan's 52-year radio career that made him thousands of friends in 38 states and Canada. Sales will establish a scholarship in his name at Berklee College of Music.

Nathan's daughter Sarah listened to hours of tape and selected cuts that make up "Sounds in the Night." Highlights are included from Nathan's career at WBZ-AM, WHDH, and WRKO. WBZ host Jordan Rich introduces the 60-minute collection, which includes a conversation with comedian Steven Wright; such memorable characters as Lefty Sprocket, Barney Roose from the Swap Shop, and Arnold the Story Teller; and Nathan singing a hilarious version of Cole Porter's "You're the Top." Theme music Nathan used throughout his career weaves around the cuts.

"My dad never took life too seriously, and always strived to leave the world a little sillier than he found it," Sarah Nathan said. "The tape is an attempt to immortalize some of my dad's sillier moments, while promoting a cause he took very seriously - jazz education."

The Norm Nathan Scholarship, for aspiring young jazz musicians, will be established in recognition of Nathan's love of jazz. For 11 years, starting in 1957, Nathan hosted the innovative and influential "Sounds in the Night" radio program, which gave jazz music a home on local, commercial radio. Later in his career, he made frequent mentions of his wish to have been a musician, and continued to interview local and national jazz artists.

"Sounds in the Night" can be ordered by calling (617) 747-2402 between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and noon - 6 p.m. on Saturday. It is also on sale at The Berklee College of Music Bookstore, Middleton Flint Public Library, Upstairs/Downstairs in Beacon Hill, UNICEF in Brookline, Salem's Record Exchange, and Rock Bottom Records, in Portsmouth, N.H. Email NORMTAPE@AOL.COM for more information.