Webb had already hired a singer called Charlie Linton to work with the band . According to The New York Times , Webb was `` reluctant to sign her ... because she was gawky and unkempt , a diamond in the rough . '' Webb had already hired singer Charlie Linton to work with the band and was , The New York Times later wrote , `` reluctant to sign her ... because she was gawky and unkempt , a diamond in the rough . ''