Jimmy Cliff

A leading American music website believes reggae superstar Jimmy Cliff is likely to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame next year, despite growing scepticism among fans that the 'Hall's' value is being diminished by the inclusion of non-rock acts.

In its summary of the 12 performers nominated, digitaldreamdoor.com said Cliff's nomination is a "welcome sight" as he "introduced reggae to Anglo audiences" in the early 1970s.

It noted, however, that the contributions of singer Toots Hibbert, producer Lee 'Scratch' Perry and musicians Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare outweigh Cliff's, yet they have never been nominated.

If Cliff gets the nod, the site's editorial pointed out, it would be based purely on his achievements as a pioneer.

"It will be his seminal work that will, or should be, the focal point," read the editorial.

Jimmy Cliff is the first reggae nominee cited by judges at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame since Bob Marley was inducted in 1994. Music critics, executives and historians comprise the panel of judges which will select the inductees in January.

The induction ceremony takes place in March at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City.

Strong Case To Be Made

On its 1-10 scale, the editors at digitaldreamdoor.com gave Cliff's nomination a six, which translates into 'Strong Case To Be Made'.

In addition to Cliff, the 2010 nominees are rock groups The Stooges, The Hollies, Genesis, KISS and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, harmony group The Chantels, pop singers Darlene Love and Donna Summer, Swedish pop group ABBA, singer/songwriter Laura Nyro and rapper LL Cool J.

Rap giant LL Cool J fared best on the digitaldreamdoor.com scale with eight points, for 'Unquestioned Credentials'. He was followed by Genesis, KISS, the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Summer who had seven points for 'Solid Choice'.

The nomination of Summer, ABBA and LL Cool J have angered many rock fans.

Summer and ABBA were two of the biggest names during the disco craze of the 1970s. Their commercial techno sound has been ridiculed by rock musicians and journalists for many years.

Digitaldreamdoor.com is widely recognised for its Top 100 music and movies lists.

Cliff stared in the1972 cult classic The Harder They Come and recorded a hit song of the same title.