What role does Ruth Meyers play in Willy's career in the novel, Where the Heart Is?

Ruth Meyers is a no-nonsense, cutthroat agent who signs Willy Jack. She has Willy touring bars and clubs, building up to a record deal and TV time. But, Willy Jack is impatient and tries to ditch her. Ruth then pulls out all the stops, drops Willy, and uses her influence to force others not to hire him.