@edcyn: Have you followed the bread crumbs back from the Rock of the 70’s (I agree with you about a lot of the "Rock" music of that decade, excluding the likes of NRBQ, Dave Edmunds, The Flamin’ Groovies, The Dwight Twilley Band, a few others) to its origins in the Rock ’n’ Roll of the 50’s? There you will find lots of twangy Tele’s, including that of James Burton (Ricky Nelson, Elvis Presley).
In the early-70’s Burton was the guitarist in one of the best bands of the decade, Emmylou Harris’ Hot Band. When James left her employ he was replaced by fellow-Telecaster player Albert Lee, who had been in one of the U.K.’s best bands, Heads Hands & Feet. Edmunds had Albert guest on his fantastic recording of "Sweet Little Lisa", found on his Repeat When Necessary album. If you haven’t yet, give a listen to Albert’s playing on his signature song, "Country Boy". Hearing his playing will result in you either practicing and gigging more, or hanging it up ;-) .
Have you heard Danny Gatton? If not, he is a master of just about all genres, including 1950’s Rock ’n’ Roll and Rockabilly, Blues, Jazz, Hillbilly, Bluegrass, and any other you can name. Vince Gill nicknamed him "The Humbler" ;-) . Guitar pickup maker Joe Barden designed his replacement pickup for the stock one Fender put in the Tele specifically for Danny. His playing is the somewhat rarely-heard combination of virtuosity and musicality, especially rare in Rock (less so in Jazz and Country/Hillbilly), where excess, lack of taste and an understanding of subtlety, and over-playing are commonplace.
Of course, for bad playing of the Tele you always have Keith Richards ;-) .