John Denver ( born Henry John Deutschendorf , Jr. ) ( December 31 , 1943 â `` October 12 , 1997 ) , was an American musician and songwriter . John Denver ( December 31 , 1943 â `` October 12 , 1997 ) , born Henry John Deutschendorf , Jr. , was an American singer-songwriter , actor , activist , poet , photographer and avid pilot .