Haavisto, who was bestowed upon the honorary title of musiikkineuvos by the President of Finland in 2007, turned 85 on 5 June.
Haavisto made his career in advertising but he has left a lasting mark in the sphere of music as an artist, composer and journalist. He has also been an active member in a number of music associations.
He is a founding member of the Finnish Jazz Archive and acted as its first director in years 1990-1997. He is also one of the founders of Suomen Kevyen Musiikin Museon Kannatusyhdistys ry (Finnish Museum of Pop Music Supporters’ Association), directing it from its foundation 1994 until 2004. He remains a major force behind the association.
Haavisto has received many awards in acknowledgment of his contribution to Finnish music culture. Some of these include the Finnish Jazz Federation’s Andania prize (1994), the Louis Armstrong bestowed upon by Classic Jazz ry (1995), Prix ELVIS from Elvis ry (2000).